MUSCOVY DUCKS 



521 



standard weight of the drake is 8 pounds, and of the duck 7 

 pounds. 



Muscovy ducks, of which there are two varieties — ^White and 

 Colored, the plumage of the latter being black and white — have 

 several distinct peculiarities. See Fig. 320. They are sometimes 

 called the Musk duck, owing to the odor of musk which pervades 

 the skin, but which is not objectionable when the fowl is cooked. 

 Also, their appearance is rather grotesque by reason of the long, 

 crest-like feathers on the head, the sides of which and the face are 



Fig. 320. — White Muscovy ducks. 



covered with scarlet caruncles. This large, red face gives them 

 a savage look, and to some minds it makes them quite hideous. 



They are found in a wild state in the warmer regions of South 

 America, but in Brazil they have been, extensively domesticated 

 and are highly prized for eating. They find great favor in Europe 

 as well, especially in Germany, where they are raised in large 

 numbers. They are the largest of all ducks, the standard weight 

 of the drake being 10 pounds and of the duck 8 pounds. 



