Instructions
Examine color and appearance. Muscovy ducks are brownish or black, with green, purple and white wing patches. They also have grayish or black feet.
Pay attention to a Muscovy duck's feet. Because they can fly and often roost in trees, they have strong sharp claws for grasping on branches. This is different from other ducks, such as Mallards, who have webbed feet.
Look out for the Muscovy duck's bright red face. Both sexes have an all-red face, with pronounced carbuncles or warts at the base of the bill.
Look at the size of the duck. Muscovies are distinguishable from other ducks because of their large size. The drake is about 34 inches long and 10 to 15 pounds; an average male Mallard is 26 inches and 3 pounds. Although the Muscovy hen is a lot smaller than the male (approximately 25 inches in length and almost 4 pounds), its size is similar to a male Mallard's.
How to Identify a Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy is a large duck; it's native to Mexico, Central and South America, and Texas, although it can be found all over the world. It prefers to live in wetlands near forests. Unlike other birds, Muscovy ducks don't migrate unless there's a change in water conditions, so if they live near you, they're unlikely to leave. These ducks have certain easily recognizable characteristics.