Muscovy Duck song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Muscovy Duck, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Muscovy Ducks are generally quiet birds. They do not quack like typical ducks. Males produce a low, hissing sound or a soft, breathy 'huff-huff' during courtship or aggression. Females make a soft, trilling or chirping sound, especially when calling their ducklings.

Calls

Males: Hissing, breathy 'huff-huff'. Females: Soft trill or chirp. Ducklings emit typical peeping sounds.

When they vocalize

Vocalizations are most common during courtship, when disturbed, or when communicating with young. Otherwise, they are largely silent.

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