Muscovy Duck - Cairina moschata
Florida's Exotic Wildlife. Species detail.
First year: 1967
Extirpated year:
Established status: Populations
are confirmed breeding and apparently self-sustaining for 10 or
more consecutive years.
Estimated Florida range: 67
counties At least 10 years
Statewide trend: Expanding
Threats to natives: They may
breed with domestic mallards and impact the nesting success of
native waterfowl.
Species Account: Muscovy
Ducks are native to Central and South America, but the feral form
in Florida is a heavier bodied, domesticated duck. Domestic birds
brought into Florida have escaped or been released and subsequently
formed feral populations in close association with humans. The
initial introduction date into Florida is unknown, but escapes and
releases have been numerous and are still continuing. Muscovy Ducks
can be a nuisance to landowners because of their droppings and
aggressive behavior. For information about how to handle problems
visit our nuisance muscovies
website.
They feed on aquatic plants, grasses, seeds,
insects (Johnsgard 1978), and human handouts. They breed in urban
and suburban lakes and on farms throughout Florida.
Habitats: Central or core
urban area, Lake, Low density suburban development, areas
peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns
| County |
First Year |
Extirpated Year |
Breeding status |
Notes |
| Northwest |
|
|
At least 10 years |
|
| North Central |
|
|
At least 10 years |
|
| Northeast |
|
|
At least 10 years |
|
| Southwest |
|
|
At least 10 years |
|
| South |
|
|
At least 10 years |
|
References
James, F. C. 1997. Nonindigenous Birds. Pages
139-156 In Strangers Among Us: Impact and management of
nonindigenous species in Florida. (Simberloff,D., D. Schmitz, and
E. Wilson, eds.) Island Press, Washington D.C.
Johnsgard, P. A. 1978. Ducks, geese, and swans of
the world. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Links to more information
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