Muscovies and biting the air

[Silkiechicken66]

So I noticed there’s a behavior muscovies do, where they stand there wagging their tails and ‘biting’ the air. My male Muscovy does it more then my hens do, he just stands on his tippy toes doing it. And the females come join occasionally.

It’s not like they are catching insects, it’s like a display almost? Or chatting to each other? I’m just curious if anyone actually knows the reason, if there is one.

 

[Fuchsia]

I was going to say maybe they are catching bugs or something, but since you said they’re not I don’t know.

 

[sourland]

The reason With the head bobbing, crest raising and talking that goes on during such displays I always felt that it was part of their communication system.

 

[Fuchsia]

The reason With the head bobbing, crest raising and talking that goes on during such displays I always felt that it was part of their communication system.

@sourland knows a lot more than me!

 

[sourland]

@sourland knows a lot more than me!

Don't bet on it. Maybe I've just had more years to observe these creatures.

 

[Fuchsia]

Don't bet on it. Maybe I've just had more years to observe these creatures.

I’ll bet on it!

 

[sluallen]

My alpha male does this right after I give him frozen peas. He exhibits the behavior toward me even when the other ducks aren't nearby. I took it to mean he is happy

 

[Miss Lydia]

All my Muscovy do this too. And they will act like they are skimming the ground too the skimming might mean they are scarfing up incests we can't see.

 

[Sosalty]

I just observed my 3 Muscovy ladies doing this outside my window. It's 25F degrees out, nope, no insects. I'll 2nd that it may be an expression of joy as they tend to do it more during play sessions and with rain bursts. Sometimes they do the heads-up bill snap when greeting me They also mimic at times. If I stick my head forward and give 'em an endearing glare, they put their heads out looking at me with their judgmental faces; too much fun. May try to pic their 'air biting' today.

OK, I got it. Muscovy are notorious new agers and they're manifesting bugs.

 

[Jenbirdee]

my pilgrim gander does it especially after eating some thing I get the feeling he is adjusting his throat and crop just doing extra chewing motions with his head up the biting in the air - to make the food go down better, but I keep telling him drink some water. i made some silly videos of him doing it