Habitat: It can be observed in freshwater swamps and marshes and sometimes in mangroves. Distribution: The species has been reported in Mexico, Argentina, Panama and Uruguay. Natural History Notes: Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). Characteristics: The length of this species varies with sex. The males have a total length varying between 81.28 cm and 88.90 cm; whereas the total length for females varies between 60.96 cm and 66.04 cm (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The male can be recognized by fleshy red caruncles located over the eye and at the base of the bill. It has a black coloration with the upper wing-coverts and the undersurface of the wings white. On the other hand, the female looks similar but does not have the red pattern on the eye nor a noticeable crest. Notes: The population of Cairina moschata has been decreasing due to hunting pressure, but nonetheless the population has been maintained.