Cairina moschata is a large duck native to Central and South America, known for its distinctive red facial skin and strong perching ability. It is an omnivorous waterfowl that lives in wooded wetlands and has been widely domesticated for its meat. Unlike other ducks, it does not quack but mostly hisses, grunts, and makes soft sounds instead. Its caruncles act as a sexual signal, especially in males, showing health and maturity to females, and also help keep the face and nearby feathers clean and protected, especially when feeding in mud.