Ducks, geese and swans
Members of the duck, goose and swan family are found on every continent except Antarctica. Many species in this family are herbivorous and they are adapted for swimming on water, and in some cases diving in it.
Genus
Aix
Mandarin duck (species)Anser
Bar-headed goose (species)Branta
Barnacle goose (species)Chen
Snow goose (species)Cygnus
Whooper swan (species)
About
Anatidae is the biological family that includes ducks, geese and swans. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring on all the world's continents except Antarctica and on most of the world's islands and island groups. These are birds that are adapted through evolution for swimming, floating on the water surface, and in some cases diving in at least shallow water. (The Magpie Goose is no longer considered to be part of the Anatidae, but is placed in its own family Anseranatidae.) The family contains around 146 species in 40 genera. They are generally herbivorous, and are monogamous breeders. A number of species undertake annual migrations. A few species have been domesticated for agriculture, and many others are hunted for food and recreation. Five species have become extinct since 1600, and many more are threatened with extinction.
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