An exploratory osteological study of the muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) (Aves: Anatidae) with implications for neotropical archaeology

The muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) (Aves: Anatidae) is the most enigmatic of the native New World animal domesticates. Although large and conspicuous, this duck is nonetheless rarely recovered in archaeological context. When identified, its domesticated status remains uncertain for lack of distinguishing criteria used to separate male from female and domestic from wild specimens. This study offers provisional criteria for osteological discrimination based upon an analysis of 34 museum skeletons. It applies these data to archaeological specimens recovered from the western lowlands of Ecuador, where muscovy duck, along with other domesticated animals may appear in contexts associated with prehispanic trade.