Sunday, April 19, 2009

A brief respite as we journey to see our daughters

Saturday we get news from home that one of our ducks has bestowed upon us
ELEVEN beautiful wee ones.
Her name, the MOM is “LINEN” she is an all white Muscovy Duck [(Cairina
moschata) is a large duck which is native to Mexico, Central and South America. A
small wild population reaches into the US in the lower Rio Grande River basin in
Texas. There also are feral breeding populations in North America in and around
public parks in nearly every state of the USA and in the Canadian provinces; feral
populations also exist in Europe. Although the Muscovy Duck is a tropical bird, it
adapts to icy and snowy conditions down to –12°C (10°F) and below without ill
effects[1].
~~
We have named the Father "Tuxedo", because he is a dapper Black and White
DUDE! Plus he has an even more special place in our lives. He survived a
motorist running over one leg. He hobbles, and is doing well. Tonight we saw
him hobble after his mate to see his new family…
~
The term "Muscovy" means "from the Moscow region", but these ducks are neither
native there nor were they introduced there before they became known in Western
Europe. It is not quite clear how the term came about; it very likely originated
between 1550 and 1600, but did not become widespread until somewhat later.
All Muscovy ducks have long claws on their feet and a wide flat tail. The drake
(male) is about 86 cm long and weighs 4.6-6.8 kg (10-15 lb), while the hen
(female) is much smaller, at 64 cm in length and 2.7-3.6 kg (6-8 lb) in weight;
domesticated males often weigh up to 8 kg (17 lb), and domesticated females up
to 5 kg (10 lb). One male of an Australian breed weighed about 10 kg (20 pounds).
~~
The wild Muscovy Duck is blackish, with large white wing patches. Domesticated
birds may look similar; most are dark brown or black mixed with white,
particularly on the head[2]. Other colors such as lavender or all-white are also
seen. Both sexes have a nude black-and-red or all-red face; the drake also has
pronounced caruncles at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers.
~~
C. moschata ducklings are mostly yellow with buff-brown markings on the tail and
wings. Some domesticated ducklings have a dark head and blue eyes, others a
light brown crown and dark markings on their nape. They are agile and speedy
precocial birds.
~~
The drake has a low breathy call, and the hen a quiet trilling coo.
~
Here is the best web site telling about these wonderful ducks
Did you know there was a Muscovy Duck who was in world war-two ?
Here is a picture of the book. This site is totally awesome please check it out….
Next post I hope to end the Egypt tour and head to the Holy Land

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this post a lot. Thanks for doing it.

Tom said...

I also like these ducks, we have them here, in fact I saw a pair two weeks ago by the local river.. I will be back soon to follow the links, and of course to catch up on your trip.