Muscovy ducks are a species of waterfowl that are native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. However, they have been introduced in many other parts of the world and can now be found living wild or domesticated in a variety of states across the United States.
Native Range
Muscovy ducks are native to the tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Their natural range stretches from central Mexico down through Central America into Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina.
Within this region, Muscovy ducks inhabit wetlands, flooded forests, ponds, rivers, and swamps. They thrive in areas with abundant water and vegetation. Their native habitat provides them with plentiful food sources and breeding sites.
Introduced Populations
Muscovy ducks were domesticated by Native American tribes in South America as early as 400 BCE. The ducks were kept for their meat, eggs, and feathers. This domestication resulted in Muscovy ducks being introduced to new areas by humans.
Europeans first encountered Muscovy ducks when they arrived in the Americas in the 16th century. The ducks were brought back to Europe by the 1500s. From there, Muscovy ducks were distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa as livestock.
Escaped and released Muscovy ducks from captive populations then established wild breeding populations. Today, Muscovy ducks live wild in areas of North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand where they were introduced outside their natural range.
United States Range
In the United States, wild Muscovy duck populations are now found in areas of Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
The ducks can also be found living alongside domesticated populations in many other states. However, sustained wild breeding populations have only become established in the states listed above so far.
Southern and Coastal States
The largest wild Muscovy duck populations in the United States are found in the southern and coastal states of Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Hawaii. These warm, humid climates are similar to the duck’s native tropical habitat.
In these states, Muscovy ducks often live around lakes, ponds, canals, and rivers. They thrive in wetland areas such as the Everglades in Florida and coastal marshes in Texas and Louisiana.
Western and Southwestern States
Established wild Muscovy duck populations are also found in parts of the western and southwestern United States. Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, California, and Oregon host feral Muscovy ducks, mainly around riparian areas.
The ducks inhabit wetlands, streams, lakes, and ponds in these states. Mild winter temperatures allow them to survive and breed in the desert and mountain regions of the southwest.
Other States
Smaller wild Muscovy duck populations occur in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Puerto Rico. These populations may have originated from escaped captive ducks.
The Muscovy ducks in these states are usually found near lakes, parks, or waterways in urban and suburban areas where domestic ducks are popular. They survive cold northern winters by living near warm microclimates and receiving supplemental feeding from people.
States with Large Domesticated Populations
In addition to states with wild Muscovies, many other states have large populations of domesticated Muscovy ducks kept as livestock, pets, or ornamental waterfowl.
The table below shows the top 10 states with the largest domesticated Muscovy duck populations according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service:
State | Domesticated Muscovy Population |
---|---|
Texas | 173,358 |
Florida | 128,186 |
Pennsylvania | 38,934 |
California | 24,970 |
Wisconsin | 22,396 |
Ohio | 18,836 |
Indiana | 18,694 |
Iowa | 17,806 |
New York | 17,304 |
Michigan | 15,534 |
Texas and Florida have the most domesticated Muscovies, followed by northern states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. The total domestic Muscovy duck population in the United States is estimated to be around 500,000 – 1 million.
Climate Factors
Muscovy ducks thrive in warm, humid climates with abundant water sources. This makes the southern states ideal habitat for wild Muscovy populations.
In colder northern states, Muscovy ducks rely on human caretakers providing food, water, and shelter during winter. Otherwise, harsh winters limit their ability to establish sustainable wild populations.
Drought can also impact Muscovy ducks in dry southwestern states. Without reliable water sources, the ducks’ breeding and survival rates decline. Providing supplemental water and food during dry periods can help sustain Muscovy ducks in these areas.
Temperature
Muscovy ducks prefer warm temperatures between 60 – 80°F (15 – 27°C). They cannot survive harsh winters with temperatures below freezing for extended periods.
Muscovies conserve body heat by perching out of water and fluffing their feathers. In very hot climates, they rely on water and shade to keep cool. Prolonged exposure to high heat over 90°F (32°C) can be dangerous.
Rainfall
These ducks require wetlands, ponds, or streams to meet their water needs and forage for food. Areas with good annual rainfall over 40 inches that sustain water bodies are best suited for wild Muscovy ducks.
During dry periods or drought, they may congregate at remaining water sources. Supplemental water from caretakers also helps them survive in drier regions.
Winter Weather
Muscovy ducks avoid or have difficulty surviving prolonged icy, snowy winters. Their large bodies and lack of insulating down feathers make them sensitive to freezing temperatures below 20°F (-7°C).
In northern areas with harsher winters, Muscovies rely on man-made shelters, heat lamps, and heated water bowls to survive cold periods with heavy snow or ice.
Ideal Habitat Features
Certain types of water bodies and wetland vegetation provide good habitat for wild Muscovy duck populations. They thrive in areas with the following features:
- Freshwater ponds, marshes, wetlands and streams
- Slow moving rivers with shallow banks
- Swamps and flooded forests with trees for perching and shelter
- Emergent aquatic plants like cattails, water lilies, and hydrilla
- Shoreline vegetation for hiding nests
- Muddy shallows for finding food
- Trees, stumps, and docks for perching and preening
Access to sheltered spots for nesting, as well as open areas of water for feeding and swimming allow Muscovy ducks to readily colonize new wetland habitats.
Conclusion
In summary, wild Muscovy duck populations are now found in many of the southern, coastal, western and southwestern states where climates are warm and water sources are abundant. Larger domesticated populations live in states across the U.S. due to Muscovies being raised as poultry.
The ducks thrive best in humid, subtropical regions but can survive in a variety of climates with human care and supplementation. Their ability to establish non-native populations across the Americas demonstrates the Muscovy duck’s adaptability.