Anatidae
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This article does not have any sources. (March 2013) |
| Ducks, geese and swans | |
|---|---|
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| Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Anseriformes |
| Family: | Anatidae Vigors, 1825 |
| Subfamilies | |
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Anatinae |
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Anatidae is the biological family of birds that includes the ducks, geese and swans.
These birds are common and widespread, and live in or near water. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution, 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[source?] for swimming, floating on the water surface, and in some cases diving. The family contains around 146 species in 40 genera. They are generally herbivorous, and are monogamous breeders. A number of species do 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 others are close to extinction.
