Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschata (Linnaeus, 1758)
MY
MUSDU
1750
Family: Anseriformes > Anatidae
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
14k records
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Muscovy Duck identification is usually straightforward.
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Browse training coursesStatus 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.
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | E |
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.
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Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in breeding season | 104 |
| % occupied in breeding season | 3.4 |
| No. occupied in winter | 221 |
| % occupied in winter | 7.3 |
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
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Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution Change 1968–72 to 2008–11.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution Change 1981–84 to 2007–11
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
| % change in range in breeding season (1968–72 to 2008–11) | +1920% |
SEASONALITY
Muscovy Duck is recorded at low levels throughout the year.
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
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: MY | 5-letter code: MUSDU | Euring: 1750 |
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 information from ConservationEvidence.com
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