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Muscovy duck in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA? (1 Viewer)

Alfred's Apron

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I've seen a duck twice this week (early December) in a small pond or fountain south of Pittsburgh. I haven't taken a picture, but looked it up online - white head, red face - and think that it could be a Muscovy duck. It's hanging with a trio of mallards, who are much smaller. From what I read on wikipedia, it seems these are native from Mexico south, but they are found far from that range. Is it unusual that a muscovy would be here at this time of year, or is there a similar-looking, more likely duck? Thanks for any help! I'll see if I can get a picture.
 
Afaik, Muscovy ducks are pretty unique, so your bird is unlikely to be something different. That said, they are also pretty widely used by duck farmers, so your bird may be more local than Mexico.
For instance, here in NYC, we have a good set of muck ducks in the various Central Park waters, including some real bruisers with clear Muscovy ancestry. We don't have any pure specimens though, but the ones we have seem to be flourishing.
 
Most of the Muscovies found north of Texas and the southeastern states are feral barnyard birds which come in all kinds of colors and can turn up at duck ponds and similar places just about anywhere in the country. Your bird, with its white head, sounds like one of these.

Here are some I’ve photographed in Palo Alto & Reno over the years—
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fugl/albums/72157627480569124
 
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Most of the Muscovies found north of the Texas and the southeastern states are feral barnyard birds which come in all kinds of colors and are can turn up at duck ponds and similar places just about anywhere in the country. Your bird, with its white head, sounds like one of these.

Here are some I’ve photographed in Palo Alto & Reno over the years—
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fugl/albums/72157627480569124

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fugl/4538397754/in/album-72157627480569124/
:eek!::eek!::flowers: romance is dead...
 
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