Hello, fellow duck enthusiasts! 🦆
I’m here to share some unique and fascinating facts about Muscovy ducks, straight from the duck’s beak, me. Sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Muscovy ducks!
1. Our Unique Appearance
First things first, let’s talk about our looks. Unlike other ducks, we Muscovy ducks have a distinctive appearance. Our feathers can range from black and white to shades of brown and green. But what really sets us apart is our red, warty face. Some might say it’s an acquired taste, but I think it adds to our charm!
2. We’re Not Your Average Quackers
Did you know that Muscovy ducks are relatively quiet compared to other ducks? Instead of quacking, we make a variety of sounds like hissing, chirping, cooing, and trilling. It’s our way of communicating with each other and with our human friends. I chat a lot with Mom and Dad about all sorts of things: when I want food, treats, a bath, or even when I want to go to bed.
Story Time: No Quacking It’s Bedtime
A fun little story: one day, it was getting pretty late, and I had already wandered into bed to call it a night. I was hearing a lot of laughter coming from the living room and when I realized just how late it was, I was not okay with mom not having come to bed. So I trotted myself out into the living room and proceeded to make chirping noises at Mom, telling her it was time for bed. I didn’t stop at just the thorough talking to them; I also had to jump on the couch and give her a few pecks. 😂 Eventually, she understood the message and came to bed.
So, if you ever hear a strange sound coming from a Muscovy duck, don’t be alarmed – we’re just having a chat or yelling at you to go to bed!
Here’s a short video of some of the chirping noises I make 🥰
3. Our Love for Trees and Perching
Unlike most ducks, we Muscovy ducks love to roost in trees. In the wild, you’ll often find us perched high up in the branches, enjoying the view. This unique behavior is a throwback to our ancestors, who lived in the forests of Central and South America. So, if you see a Muscovy duck in a tree, just know we’re feeling right at home. I very much enjoy being up high, perching on the couch or chairs around the house. My parents got me these shelves to fly up and perch on, but I actually kinda hate them.
Here’s a quick video of my Dad attempting to put me on my perch shelf and me letting him know I was not pleased with his antics. 😂
4. We’re Great Pest Controllers
One of the coolest things about us Muscovy ducks is our diet. We love to munch on insects, spiders, and even small reptiles. This makes us excellent pest controllers, keeping your garden free from unwanted critters. Plus, we also enjoy a variety of plants and grains, making us versatile eaters.
My parents enjoy the fact whenever a little critter makes their way inside, I’m quick to make sure they don’t cause any havoc!
5. Our Strong Family Bonds
Family is everything to us Muscovy ducks. We form strong bonds with our mates and offspring, and we’re known for being attentive and caring parents. In fact, Muscovy ducklings often stay with their parents for several months, learning the ropes and growing strong.
As for me, I imprinted on my parents before I was a week old. In a matter of no time, I followed them around the house and spent every waking around at least one of them. I learned the ropes and they quickly learned how to handle all my duckyness. And now, we have a very strong family dynamic.
Living the Indoor Duck Life
While many of us live in the wild, some lucky ducks like me get to enjoy the comforts of indoor life. My humans have created a safe and cozy environment for me, complete with soft mats, healthy treats, and plenty of enrichment activities. It’s a duck’s dream come true!
So, there you have it – some unique and fascinating facts about Muscovy ducks, straight from the duck’s beak. I hope you enjoyed learning more about us and our quack-tastic world. Follow me on social media for more daily duck tales, and check out my shop for some fun duck merch. Quack on!