Muscovy Duck

Cairina moschata (Linnaeus, 1758) MY MUSDU 1750
Family: Anseriformes > Anatidae

Muscovy Duck, Simon Gillings

Found at scattered locations across England, and less often in Wales and Scotland, Muscovy Ducks are usually found close to human habitation, prompting they are semi-domesticated or feral.

Very small numbers have been found in Ireland and on the Isle of Man. Records usually relate to single birds or a handful of individuals, but larger groups (in excess of 20 birds) have been reported.

Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Muscovy Duck

  • Breeding
  • Winter
14k records observations recorded by BTO surveyors
14k records

BTO RECORDS

14k records observations recorded by BTO surveyors
14k records

BTO RECORDS

Identification

Muscovy Duck identification is usually straightforward.

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Status and Trends

Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.

CONSERVATION STATUS

This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.

POPULATION SIZE

We have no population estimates for this scarce species.

DISTRIBUTION

Muscovy Ducks are often found near human habitation, prompting uncertainties as to whether they are introduced or semi-domesticated and leading to regular under-reporting. The breeding and winter distribution maps show Muscovy Ducks to be found at scattered locations throughout England, with fewer in Scotland and Wales. They were recorded in a very small number of 10-km squares in Ireland and on the Isle of Man.

  • Muscovy Duck breeding distribution 2008-11
    Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
    More from the Atlas Mapstore.
  • Muscovy Duck winter distribution 2008-11
    Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
    More from the Atlas Mapstore.

Occupied 10-km squares in UK

DISTRIBUTION CHANGE

SEASONALITY

Muscovy Duck is recorded at low levels throughout the year.

Weekly occurence of Muscovy Duck from BirdTrack
Weekly occurrence patterns (shaded cells) and reporting rates (vertical bars) based on BirdTrack data. Reporting rates give the likelihood of encountering the species each week.

Movement

Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.

RINGING RECOVERIES

View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.

Biology

Lifecycle and body size information about Muscovy Duck, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.

PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING

Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.

CODES & CLASSIFICATION

For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name

Welsh: Hwyaden Fwsg
Catalan: ànec mut
Czech: pižmovka americká
Danish: Moskusand
Dutch: Muskuseend
Estonian: muskuspart
Finnish: myskisorsa
French: Canard musqué
German: Moschusente
Hungarian: pézsmaréce
Icelandic: Moskusönd
Italian: Anatra muta
Latvian: muskuspile
Lithuanian: paprastoji muskusine antis
Norwegian: Knoppand
Polish: pizmówka
Portuguese: pato-do-mato
Slovak: pižmovka lesklá
Slovenian: moškatna blešcavka
Spanish: Pato criollo
Swedish: myskand

Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com

Read more studies about Muscovy Duck on Conservation Evidence >

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