Muscovy duck spotted at Ifield Millpond in Crawley

The red-faced animal is a Muscovy duck and was photographed by Argus camera club member Robert Barrington-Wright at Ifield Millpond in Crawley.

Muscovy ducks are native to central and southern America but feral ducks are found in central and eastern Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

The duck strutting its stuff (Image: Robert Barrington-Wright) The species is one of the oldest domesticated fowl species in the world and were being kept by native people in Paraguay and Peru before the arrival of Spanish explorers.

The large duck, which is distinctive thanks to its bobbly beak and face, can weigh up to 7kg.

According to the British Waterfowl Association, Muscovy ducks have been given an unfair reputation.

The group said the ducks are shy and can become aggressive when cornered.

A side profile (Image: Robert Barrington-Wright)

They said the bird is prized for its parenting skills and will put their “heart and soul” into defending their young.

The British Trust for Ornithology said: “Found at scattered locations across England, and less often in Wales and Scotland, Muscovy Ducks are usually found close to human habitation, prompting they are semi-domesticated or feral.

“Very small numbers have been found in Ireland and on the Isle of Man. Records usually relate to single birds or a handful of individuals, but larger groups (in excess of 20 birds) have been reported.”