The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is a species of waterfowl native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and a small portion of southern Texas in the United States.
Most of the Muscovys are pure white but black ones also exist. There is also a full range between black and white. All the birds develop red flesh around their eyes and at the base of their bills. In older drakes, it may even appear on the back of the neck and wings.
It is easy to recognize by the red, fleshy protuberances around the beak and eyes. It is important to know that the Muscovy duck is originally a tree dweller and therefore can fly.
Muscovy ducks are omnivorous birds, and the natural diet is based on worms, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, plants, and fruits.
Also known as the Barbary duck, the species is commonly domesticated and raised for meat across the globe. Currently Muscovy duck production is located mainly in Europe, with France as the first producer, together with southeast Asia and Taiwan.
The meat of the duck is fairly lean. The duck starts laying eggs at about seven months.
Muscovy duck
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