Cairina moschata, commonly known as the Muscovy Duck, is native to Central and South America. Its natural geographical distribution spans from southern Mexico through Central America to Paraguay, Argentina, and northern Uruguay in South America.

The Muscovy Duck inhabits a variety of wetland environments such as swamps, lakes, and rivers that are surrounded by forests or woodlands. These areas are characterized by warm tropical and subtropical climates with abundant water sources and vegetation.

As a versatile waterfowl species, the Muscovy Duck occupies an ecological niche as both a grazer and a predator. It feeds on a diverse diet, including aquatic plants, small fish, insects, and other invertebrates, which allows it to thrive in its water-rich environments. The species has also adapted to live in areas with human presence, such as farms and urban parks, indicating some flexibility in habitat preference.