The Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) is a large waterfowl species frequently encountered in Florida’s urban and suburban environments, including parks, ponds, and residential waterways. Originating in Mexico, Central, and South America, these birds are not native to Florida. Feral populations have established across the state after escaping captivity or being intentionally released. Their rapid population growth often leads to questions about their status and management, particularly whether they are considered an invasive species. The Muscovy Duck’s presence creates conflicts with residents and impacts local ecosystems, necessitating an understanding of their regulatory status and control options.
Legal Status and Classification in Florida
The Muscovy Duck is not classified as a “prohibited invasive species” by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), unlike species such as the Burmese python. The FWC regulates them as Class III wildlife, requiring a permit only to possess them for exhibition or sale. Their legal status is complex because they are technically covered by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
However, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a specific control order for Muscovy Ducks outside of their natural range, which includes all of Florida. This federal order exempts feral Muscovy Ducks from the MBTA’s protections, allowing landowners and property managers to control them without a federal permit. This exemption applies only if the ducks are not native wild species and have no identifiable owner. Florida state regulations also prohibit the release of Muscovy Ducks into the wild, reflecting their designation as a non-native species.
Environmental Consequences of Muscovy Ducks
The presence of feral Muscovy Ducks leads to several negative impacts on Florida’s environment and infrastructure. Ecologically, they compete aggressively with native waterfowl for resources like food and nesting sites, displacing species such as Mottled Ducks. They may also interbreed with native ducks, which can dilute the genetic integrity of the native populations.
High population density contributes to the contamination of water bodies and recreational areas. Large amounts of fecal matter introduce excessive nutrients, leading to nutrient loading and potential algal blooms. This pollution degrades water quality, reduces dissolved oxygen levels, and can cause fish kills in small retention ponds. Muscovy Ducks are also known carriers of parasites and can transmit diseases to native birds and, in some cases, to humans.
How to Identify Muscovy Ducks
Proper identification is necessary to distinguish Muscovy Ducks from protected native Florida waterfowl before management action is taken. Muscovy Ducks are large; males average around nine pounds with a wingspan between 54 and 61 inches. Their plumage is typically a mix of brownish-black and white, often displaying an iridescent green and purple sheen on the wings.
The most distinctive feature is the red, warty, fleshy growths, known as caruncles, found around the eyes and at the base of the bill. These caruncles are more pronounced on males. Unlike most native ducks, Muscovy Ducks have a unique habit of perching in trees and communicate with a quiet hiss rather than a quacking sound.
Permitted Control and Removal Methods
The federal control order provides landowners and tenants with several legal options for managing nuisance Muscovy Ducks without state or federal permits. Non-lethal methods focus on making the area less attractive, primarily by eliminating human-provided food sources. Residents should be discouraged from feeding the ducks, as this concentrates the population and leads to the accumulation of droppings and potential disease spread.
Non-Lethal Deterrents
Deterrent methods like hazing, which involves using a water hose or a dog to chase the birds, can make the property feel unwelcome. When population reduction is necessary, the removal or destruction of nests and eggs is permitted. A common technique is “egg addling,” which involves coating the eggs with corn oil or shaking them vigorously and then returning them to the nest. This prevents hatching without causing the female to lay a new clutch immediately.
Capture and Lethal Control
Live capture using nets or cage traps is permitted, but all captured birds must be humanely euthanized or donated to a scientific or educational institution. Relocation to the wild is explicitly prohibited by federal regulations to prevent the spread of the non-native species. Landowners may also use firearms on private property for lethal control during daylight hours, provided they use non-toxic shot and adhere to local firearm ordinances.