The Muscovy is a heavy-bodied bird with relatively short legs (the drake weighs 10 to 14 lbs and the duck 5 to 7 lbs). It has an erectile fore-crown crest, wart like 'caruncles', especially in the case of males, and webbed feet equally suited to perching as swimming.

Ponds, rivers and lakes, nearly always as an escape from domestic stock which has gone feral.

All year round.

The Muscovy duck is the only breed of domestic duck that is not descended from the wild Mallard but belongs to a group known as the greater wood duck.

Although it originates from central and southern America it is quite widespread in Britain as an escapee from domestic stock.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.