[Fondo]

I photographed this Muscovy Duck today, 1-26-2012 at Lake Waco in Waco, Texas. I know the Muscovy Duck is native to Mexico, but this is a bit too far north. I suppose that it could be a domestic escapee. Sorry about the poor focus, new doubler. Any thoughts?

[fugl]

It's a feral domestic. The wild type looks very different.

[birding maniac]

Agree- domestic muscovey

[LabradorDuck]

I haven't been to Waco, but feral Muscovy Ducks are pretty common in both New Orleans and Houston, living and breeding in parks and along canals. This individual probably didn't escape from anywhere; it's most likely part of an established feral population.

[Steve Gross]

The "countable" Muscovies in the US are found near Falcon Dam, in the western part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The village of Salineno is probably the easiest access to the river in that section. The wild birds have white only on their wings, and they are VERY skittish birds. Often, visitors to Salineno have only quick fly-by looks at these birds, though I did have one come by once, circle back around, then land on a snag immediately across the river, allowing killer scope views. They are seen regularly at Salineno, but not by every visitor.

The feral birds are widespread in Texas, but the "real" birds are worth a visit, for sure.

[Mysticete]

I should also add that the feral Muscovies in Florida are also countable for ABA as code 2 birds, although everyone seems to want to pretend that population doesn't exist.