General Description: Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata) are domestic ducks that escaped or were released from captivity and now live "wild," or feral, in local ponds and lakes. Wild Muscovy Ducks are black, but domestic birds are white, black, or mixed black and white, or brown. Muscovies are our only ducks with red skin on the face that is bumpy or knobby, often grossly so.

Taxonomy: Anseriformes, Anatidae, Anatinae

Favored Habitat: Ponds in parks and neighborhoods.

Where to Find: Neighborhood ponds and city parks (e.g., Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park, and Floyd Lamb State Park).

Comments: Be sure to bring corn or peas rather than bread, which is bad for their digestive systems.