If you’ve spent some time in Florida, you’ve probably run into the Muscovy duck. These are ducks with attitude! They aren’t really scared off by humans and you’ll often see them on sidewalks or streets. When they see you coming, they won’t move, because they expect you to move around them! With their bold, aggressive attitude and bigger body, they are not your average duck. They also are not native to Florida or the Everglades, which makes them an invasive species.
The Muscovy duck was seen in Florida as early as the 1960s. These ducks are native to Central America and South America. This duck ended up in America by both escaping and being released, illegally, which continues to happen.
Muscovy ducks are mainly black with some white and red coloring throughout their feathers.
This breed of duck has the potential to transmit disease and interbreed with Florida’s native ducks and other waterfowl, which makes it a threat to the native species. It is illegal to release this duck in the state of Florida because they can spread diseases and breed quickly.
Many people who encounter these ducks do not like them because they are known to be aggressive, damage property, and leave droppings all over yards, sidewalks, driveways, and roads. They breed around lakes and farms.
Muscovy ducks eat seeds, insects, plants, grasses, aquatic plants, and food from humans.
Explore the Everglades on An Airboat
They may be a non-native aggressive species, but a lot of people actually like the Muscovy ducks too, and don’t mind them roaming their neighborhoods.
The Muscovy duck is just one of many species of birds living within the Everglades. On an airboat tour, you will get to see so many birds flying or swimming by.
Come on an airboat tour and be close to nature! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be surrounded by beautiful creatures and plant life. To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page.
