Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
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Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

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DESCRIPTION: Muscovy duck plumage is brownish-black with iridescent green and purple dorsal plumage and with white wing patches.  They have red, fleshy protuberances on their faces.  Domestic Muscovy ducks come in a wide variety of plumages, from white to buff, brown, chocolate, lilac and blue.

They are large ducks, averaging 9 pounds.  They measure 25 to 33 inches.  Their wingspan can range from 53 to 59 inches.  Male ducks are larger than females.

RANGE:  Native to Mexico, Central and South America.  Wild populations live in the lower Rio Grande & part of Texas.  They have also been domesticated and adapt well to colder climates.

HABITAT:  Prefer to live in forest areas near water.  Ducks will roost in trees at night and create nests in tree cavities.

DIET:  Omnivorous – they eat roots, stems, leaves and seeds of aquatic and terrestrial plants.  Also feed on small fish, reptiles, crustaceans, insects, millipedes and termites.
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FAMILY LIFE:  Muscovy ducks breed from the beginning of August to May.  During breeding season, male ducks attract females by wagging their tails and showing off their crests.  Females build nests high in hollow trees constructed of twigs, stems and mud.  They lay an average of 8-10 eggs.

Muscovy ducks can breed 2 to 3 times per year, and incubate their eggs for 33 to 35 days.  Females protect nestlings for 60 to 70 days, until the young are independent.

LIFE SPAN:  Typically 7-8 years; up to 9 in human care.

STATUS:  Least Concern
203-394-6565
​info@beardsleyzoo.org 
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Open 9am-4pm daily
​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

2019 Kids Out and About #1
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Connecticut - Still Revolutionary
Weekly Best of Fairfield County Readers' Poll 2014
FC Buzz Events - Arts & Culture of Fairfield County
© 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Centennial
    • Contact Us
    • Donation Requests
    • Jobs
    • Press
  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • COVID Guidelines
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals
    • Our Plants
    • Parents
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Bird Walks
    • Citizen Science >
      • FrogWatch
      • MonarchWatch
    • Conservation >
      • City Nature Challenge
      • Conservation Pledge
    • Cool Blue >
      • Cool Blue Schools
    • Distance Learning
    • Educational Resources
    • Evening Lectures
    • Field Trips
    • Just 4 Teens >
      • CDC
      • Explorers
    • Teachers
  • Support
    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Appeal
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
    • Events >
      • Centennial Gala
      • Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari
    • Gift Guide
    • Monthly Giving
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Wish List
  • Parties, Rentals & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
    • Preferred Vendors
    • Preferred Wedding Vendors
    • Event Guidelines
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • En Espanol
  • Buy Tickets