Anatidae
Anatidae is a family of birds in the order Anseriformes, which also includes screamers. Anatidae consists of about 170 species of ducks, geese, and swans, which are found worldwide. Most species are aquatic birds, though a few are terrestrial. They are generally medium to large-sized birds, with robust bodies and short legs. They are well-known for their webbed feet, which help them swim efficiently. They have long, flexible necks and a bill that is often broad and flattened, used for feeding in water or on land.
Common names
The members of Anatidae are commonly called ducks, geese, or swans. Ducks are typically smaller birds with shorter necks, while geese are larger with longer necks. Swans are the largest members of the family, distinguished by their long, elegant necks and graceful movements.
Characteristics
Anatidae share a number of defining characteristics, including:
- Webbed feet
- Flattened bills
- Long necks
- Water-resistant plumage
- Specialized feeding adaptations
Anatidae exhibit a variety of feeding strategies. Some species are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and grasses. Others are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of plants and animals. They use their bills to filter food from water or to pluck vegetation from the ground.
Environments
Anatidae are found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, including:
- Freshwater lakes and rivers
- Coastal estuaries and marshes
- Saltwater lagoons and bays
- Open oceans
Many species migrate long distances, often traveling from breeding grounds in the north to wintering grounds in the south. Others are more sedentary, remaining in the same general area throughout the year.
References
Wikipedia - Anatidae
BirdLife International - Anatidae
Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Anatidae