A new duck was added to the pond today. He was duckling owned by family with lots of kids. He was given the name Ivan because he’s a Muscovy duck, and they are Russian eh?
They are actually from Latin America, ranging as far north as the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. No one has a good idea about why they are called “Muscovy ducks.”
But Ivan is a monster. He has the mallards outclassed by nearly two and half times. And Phil and his harem of underage hens (including his own sister) are afraid of the giant duck with evil wattles on his face.
You need to find him a nice Muscovy hen Scottie.
Oh, don’t forget that our domestic “turkeys” are from Latin America too.
Muscovies can fly (not as well as a wild duck, but up onto fences, roofs and trees), and they will breed with mallards if no other moscovies are available. I do not know of any viable hybrids though.
They do hybridize and produce sterile hybrids.
http://www.metzerfarms.com/MuleDucks.cfm
Hybridization among waterfowl species is rampant, not just with these two species but with soooo many others.
I gather the name has no connection with Moscow but is derived from their love of eating mosquitos. If you have too many insects around the place then get some moscovy ducks – is the advice. Just read that on a website
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