Anatidae – Swans, Geese & Ducks
The family Anatidae in the order Anseriformes (which also includes Magpie Goose and Screamers), comprises 174 species of birds in 53 genera and includes the swans (6), geese (31) and ducks (137). This is a widespread and familiar group often known collectively as wildfowl. They are highly successful, occurring throughout the world wherever there is water, from inside the Arctic Circle to the tropics. Anatidae are small- to large-sized birds with a broad and elongated general body plan. Diving species vary from this in being rounder. Extant species range in size from the cotton pygmy goose, at as little as 26.5 cm (10.5 in) and 164 g (5.8 oz), to the trumpeter swan, at as much as 183 cm (6 ft) and 17.2 kg (38 lb). The wings are short and pointed, and supported by strong wing muscles that generate rapid beats in flight. They typically have long necks, although this varies in degree between species. The legs are short, strong, and set far to the back of the body (more so in the more aquatic species), and have a leathery feel with a scaly texture. Combined with their body shape, this can make some species awkward on land, but they are stronger walkers than other marine and water birds such as grebes or petrels. They typically have webbed feet, though a few species such as the Nene have secondarily lost their webbing. The bills are made of soft keratin with a thin and sensitive layer of skin on top (which has a leathery feel when touched). For most species, the shape of the bill tends to be more flattened to a greater or lesser extent. These contain serrated lamellae which are particularly well defined in the filter-feeding species.
Andean Duck Oxyura (jamaicensis) ferruginea – ©Dubi Shapiro
Their feathers are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. Many of the ducks display sexual dimorphism, with the males being more brightly coloured than the females (although the situation is reversed in species such as the paradise shelduck). The swans, geese, and whistling-ducks lack sexually dimorphic plumage. Anatids are vocal birds, producing a range of quacks, honks, squeaks, and trumpeting sounds, depending on species; the female often has a deeper voice than the male.
Flying Steamer Duck Tachyeres patachonicus – ©Dubi Shapiro
Anatids are generally herbivorous as adults, feeding on various water-plants, although some species also eat fish, molluscs, or aquatic arthropods. One group, the mergansers, are primarily piscivorous, and have serrated bills to help them catch fish. In a number of species, the young include a high proportion of invertebrates in their diets, but become purely herbivorous as adults.
King Eider Somateria spectabilis – ©Dubi Shapiro
Part of their success is due to their enormous diversity. They exploit a wide range of ecological niches for, while all wildfowl are competent swimmers, some, such as geese and wigeon feed extensively on land, while others, particularly diving ducks, obtain all their food underwater and are consequently quite clumsy on their feet. These differences underlie the success that wildfowl have had in exploiting the enormous range of ecological niches which are provided by diverse wetland habitats.
Wood Ducks Aix sponsa – ©Dubi Shapiro
This adaptability extends to their breeding cycle, for some species such as Goldeneye and Mandarins will happily set up home in a nest box high in a tree, while others such as the Shelduck often nest underground in an old rabbit burrow or fox earth. Indeed, I have seen a pair of Shelduck hatch a brood of young in an occupied fox earth alongside a vixen with three cubs, supporting the old view of the unpalatability of Shelduck to both man and beast!
Trumpeter Swans Cygnus buccinator – ©Dubi Shapiro
The anatids are generally seasonal and monogamous breeders. The level of monogamy varies within the family; many of the smaller ducks only maintain the bond for a single season and find a new partner the following year, whereas the larger swans, geese and some of the more territorial ducks maintain pair bonds over a number of years, and even for life in some species. However, forced extrapair copulation among anatids is common, occurring in 55 species in 17 genera.
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta – ©Dubi Shapiro
In many ways, ducks are all things to all birdwatchers; drakes in full breeding plumage are boldly marked, brightly coloured, ostentatious and generally easy to identify. Females are more subtle, cryptically patterned with browns and fawns, cautious and reclusive in behaviour when nesting, courageous and determined when shepherding broods of ducklings across a landscape filled with predators.
Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus – ©Dubi Shapiro
For many children ‘feeding the ducks’ is their earliest introduction to birds in their environment. These birds can be very tame and approachable, allowing an easy appreciation of their bright plumage and raucous voices. But sadly, wildfowl often receive a mixed reception amongst older birdwatchers. While many happily enjoy their brightness and accessibility, there are those who feel their enjoyment compromised by the possibility that the rare and gorgeous creature before them may only be at temporary liberty from some captive collection. It is difficult to ignore the risk of escapes, but at the end of the day the ‘rare and gorgeous creature’ is a living breathing entity and should be enjoyed for its intrinsic beauty rather than its arbitrary status.
White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata – ©Dubi Shapiro
For me, the appeal of wildfowl is as much in their complex lives as in the subtleties of their plumage. They have intricate social lives and many mate for life; they migrate over vast distances to lands I will never see, and inhabit some of the last truly wild places in our shrinking world and encourage me to spend time there. Every one I see carries a message reminding me of our collective past and of our hopes for the future, encapsulated in colours and shapes which are the very essence of style and beauty.
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Number of bird species: 174
(As at July 2025)
According to the unified AviList 2025, there are 174 species of ducks, geese & swans forming the family Anatidae in the order Anseriformes. Two birds treated as full species by some authorities were downgraded (coloured blue in the list) pending further research. They Anatidae species are:
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus
Spotted Whistling Duck Dendrocygna guttata
Plumed Whistling Duck Dendrocygna eytoni
White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
West Indian Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arborea
Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
Musk Duck Biziura lobata
African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Green Pygmy Goose Nettapus pulchellus
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa
Black-headed Duck Heteronetta atricapilla
Masked Duck Nomonyx dominicus
White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis
Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Oxyura (jamaicensis) ferruginea
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melancoryphus
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator
Brant Goose Branta bernicla
Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis
Nene Branta sandvicensis
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii
Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
Emperor Goose Anser canagicus
Ross’s Goose Anser rossii
Snow Goose Anser caerulescens
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Swan Goose Anser cygnoides
Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
Tundra Bean Goose Anser serrirostris
Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Ringed Teal Callonetta leucophrys
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
Orinoco Goose Neochen jubata
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Ashy-headed Goose Chloephaga poliocephala
Ruddy-headed Goose Chloephaga rubidiceps
Raja Shelduck Radjah radjah
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca
Mauritius Sheldgoose Alopochen mauritiana
Reunion Sheldgoose Alopochen kervazoi
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Crested Shelduck Tadorna cristata
South African Shelduck Tadorna cana
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Paradise Shelduck Tadorna variegata
Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis
Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri
Labrador Duck Camptorhynchus labradorius
Spectacled Eider Somateria fischeri
King Eider Somateria spectabilis
Common Eider Somateria mollissima
Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
Black Scoter Melanitta americana
Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata
Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca
White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi
Stejneger’s Scoter Melanitta stejnegeri
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Smew Mergellus albellus
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Scaly-sided Merganser Mergus squamatus
Brazilian Merganser Mergus octosetaceus
New Zealand Merganser Mergus australis
Common Merganser Mergus merganser
Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola
Blue Duck Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Maned Duck Chenonetta jubata
Blue-winged Goose Cyanochen cyanoptera
Hartlaub’s Duck Pteronetta hartlaubii
White-winged Duck Asarcornis scutulata
Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma
Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
Madagascan Pochard Aythya innotata
Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri
Hardhead Aythya australis
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
Canvasback Aythya valisineria
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
Redhead Aythya americana
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
New Zealand Scaup Aythya novaeseelandiae
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
Greater Scaup Aythya marila
Salvadori’s Teal Salvadorina waigiuensis
Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides
Bronze-winged Duck Speculanas specularis
Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis
Flying Steamer Duck Tachyeres patachonicus
Fuegian Steamer Duck Tachyeres pteneres
Falkland Steamer Duck Tachyeres brachypterus
Chubut Steamer Duck Tachyeres leucocephalus
Baikal Teal Sibirtrionetta formosa
Garganey Spatula querquedula
Hottentot Teal Spatula hottentota
Puna Teal Spatula puna
Silver Teal Spatula versicolor
Red Shoveler Spatula platalea
Blue-winged Teal Spatula discors
Cinnamon Teal Spatula cyanoptera
Cape Shoveler Spatula smithii
Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata
Australasian Shoveler Spatula rhynchotis
Falcated Duck Mareca falcata
Gadwall Mareca strepera
Amsterdam Wigeon Mareca marecula
Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope
American Wigeon Mareca s americana
Chiloe Wigeon Mareca sibilatrix
African Black Duck Anas sparsa
Meller’s Duck Anas melleri
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata
Philippine Duck Anas luzonica
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Hawaiian Duck Anas wyvilliana
Laysan Duck Anas laysanensis
Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha
Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Mexican Duck Anas diazi
American Black Duck Anas rubripes
Mottled Duck Anas fulvigula
Cape Teal Anas capensis
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis
Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Eaton’s Pintail Anas eatoni
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
Green-winged Teal Anas (crecca) carolinensis
Yellow-billed Teal Anas flavirostris
Andean Teal Anas andium
Sunda Teal Anas gibberifrons
Andaman Teal Anas albogularis
Chestnut Teal Anas castanea
Grey Teal Anas gracilis
Bernier’s Teal Anas bernieri
Mascarene Teal Anas theodori
Brown Teal Anas chlorotis
Auckland Teal Anas aucklandica
Campbell Teal Anas nesiotis
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Abbotsbury Swannery
WebsiteThe world’s only managed colony of nesting Mute Swans -
Brown Teal Anas chlorotis Conservation
WebsiteThe Brown Teal Anas chlorotis, or pateke, is an endemic New Zealand species of the worldwide Anas genus of dabbling ducks within the family Anatidae. Within this large genus, Brown Teal are included in the informal grouping of Austral Teal. From New Zealand, the grey teal A. gracilis, Campbell Island teal A. nesiotis, and Auckland Island teal A. aucklandica are also included -
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
WebsiteMigratory ducks and geese have long been a sporting quarry and in the past many were exploited on a commercial scale. However, the management of migratory species presents particular problems, as they often breed outside Britain and Europe. International cooperation across their entire migratory range is therefore essential for the conservation and management of their populations and habitats. This is provided under international law by the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement. -
International Goose Research Group
WebsiteInternational Goose Research Group -
Swan Lifeline
WebsiteSwan Lifeline strives to create a better, healthier and safer environment for swans and general wildlife in the UK. We do this through local and national engagement, the sharing of information with other organisations, research and education. -
Trumpter Swan Society
WebsiteWe try to keep the best list of Trumpeter and other swan links available on the web -
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
WebsiteIn a world full of challenges, we’re on a mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power. Because when wetlands thrive, so do we.
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Atlas of Anatidae Populations in Africa and Western Eurasia
| By Derek A Scott & Paul M Rose | Wetlands International Indonesia | 1996 | Paperback | 336 pages, 61 maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9781900442091 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Bewick's Swan
| By Eileen Rees | AD Poyser | 2006 | Hardback | 296 pages, 16 pages of colour photos, diagrams, tables | ISBN: 9780713665598 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Ducks, Geese & Swans
| By Janet Kear | OUP | 2006 | Hardback | 832 pages, 30 colur plates, b/w illustrations, b/w distribution maps, tables | ISBN: 9780198546450 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Ducks, Geese & Swans of North America
| By Frank Chapman Bellrose | 568 pages, Colour photos, illustrations | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780811705356 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Flight Identification of European Seabirds
| By Anders Blomdahl, Bertil Breife & Niklas Holmstrom | Christopher Helm | 2007 | Paperback | 374 pages, 690 colour photos | ISBN: 9780713686166 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Ruddy Ducks and Other Stifftails - Their Behavior and Biology
| By PA Johnsgard and M Carbonell | 1996 | University of Oklahoma Press | Hardback | 291 pages, 16 col photos, b/w illus, tables | ISBN: 9780806127996 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Calls of Ducks and Geese
| By Kevin Colver & Lang Elliott | Stackpole Books | 2008 | Paperback | 88 pages, 40 colour photos, includes audio CD | ISBN: 9780811734905 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Common Eider
| By Chris Waltho & John C Coulson | AD Poyser | 2015 | Hardback |352 pages, 10 plates with colour photos and colour distribution maps; b/w illustrations, b/w maps, tables | ISBN: 9781408125328 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Snow Geese
| By William Fiennes | Picador | 2025 | Paperback | 272 pages | ISBN: 9781035065233 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Social Life of Greylag Geese: Patterns, Mechanisms and Evolutionary Functions in an Avian Model System
| Edited by Isabella BR Scheiber, Brigitte Weiß, Josef Hemetsberger & Kurt Kotrschal | Cambridge University Press | 2019 | | Paperback | 245 pages, 8 plates with colour photos; b/w photos, b/w illustrations, tables | ISBN: 9781108810555 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Whooper Swan
| By Mark Brazil | A&C Black | 2020 | Hardback | 520 pages, 14 colour plates, b/w photos, line illustrations, figures, tables, maps | ISBN: 9781472982629 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Wildfowl of the Northern Hemisphere
| By Ray Hutchins | Merlin | 2008 | Paperback | 192 Pages, Colour Illustrations | ISBN: 9780954307011 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Anatidae
Family AccountAnatids are distributed worldwide, except for the Antarctic region. Anatids inhabit aquatic habitats such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers and marshes. -
Anatidae
Family AccountThe Anatidae are the biological family of water birds that includes ducks, geese, and swans. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution. -
Anatidae
Family AccountThe 174 species of ducks, geese and swans are found throughout the world in all manner of wetland habitats from small ditches to rugged coasts (though they generally eschew the open ocean).
Given the number of species in this family, Fatbirder does not provide quick links to all of them. However, the entries below do include links to representatives of the largest genera and some of the most often encountered, iconic or sought-after species.
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American Wigeon Mareca americana
Species AccountAmerican Wigeon are typically quick to flush and produce a distinct, high-pitched, three-note call that is reminiscent of a squeaky toy... -
American Wigeon Mareca americana
Species AccountThe American wigeon (Mareca americana), also known as the baldpate, is a species of dabbling duck found in North America. -
American Wigeon Mareca americana
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Baikal Teal Sibirtrionetta formosa
Species AccountBreeds in marshy woods and on the tundra. During the non-breeding season, gathers in groups... -
Baikal Teal Sibirtrionetta formosa
Species AccountThe Baikal teal (Sibirionetta formosa), also called the bimaculate duck or squawk duck, is a dabbling duck that breeds in eastern Russia... -
Baikal Teal Sibirtrionetta formosa
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Species AccountThe black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird, a species of swan, which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. -
Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Species AccountIn adult Black Swans the body is mostly black, with the exception of the broad white wing tips which are visible in flight. The bill is a deep orange-red, paler at the tip, with a distinct narrow white band towards the end. Younger birds are much greyer in colour, and have black wing tips. Adult females are smaller than the males. -
Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Species AccountBasically unmistakable and is just what the name says: a swan with a black neck. Fairly common but sometimes local on lakes, slow-moving rivers -
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Species AccountThe black-necked swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) is a species of waterfowl in the tribe Cygnini of the subfamily Anserinae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil... -
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis
BirdLife Species AccountFull species account -
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis
Species AccountSpecies account... -
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Species AccountA large brown goose with a black neck and white chinstrap. Overall size, bill size, and brown coloration variable across subspecies. -
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Species AccountThe Canada Goose is a large goose, with a distinctive black head and neck, and large white throat patch. -
Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Species AccountVery large, heavy-set pale gray goose found across parts of coastal southern Australia. Note pale yellow and slightly drooping bill. -
Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Species AccountThe Cape Barren goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae), sometimes also known as the pig goose, is a species of goose endemic from southern Australia. -
Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola
Species AccountLarge bicolored waterbird. Both sexes are iridescent purplish-green above with a white breast. -
Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola
Species AccountThe comb duck or American comb duck (Sarkidiornis sylvicola), is an unusual duck, found in tropical wetlands in continental South America -
Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Species AccountThe common goldeneye or simply goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a medium-sized sea duck of the genus Bucephala, the goldeneyes. -
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Species AccountThe Goldeneye is a medium sized diving duck. Males look black and white with a greenish black head and a circular white patch in front of the yellow eye. -
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Species AccountA distinctive white swan with a bright, rather ducklike bill. The black wingtips are usually concealed when swimming. -
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Species AccountThe coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) is a species of waterfowl in the subfamily Anserinae of the family Anatidae. -
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Species AccountTiny duck. Male has a bright white head and neck with a dark crown and eyes. -
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Species AccountThe cotton pygmy goose or cotton teal (Nettapus coromandelianus) is a small perching duck which breeds in Asia, Southeast Asia extending south and east to... -
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Species AccountThe Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) is a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae. It is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. -
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Species AccountThis striking “goose” (in actuality more closely related to shelducks) is native to Africa, mainly the eastern and southern parts of the continent. -
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
Species AccountRich rusty brown overall with contrasting white triangular patch under tail; male has pale eye. Also note peaked crown and rather long gray bill. -
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
Species AccountThe ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), also known as ferruginous pochard, common white-eye or white-eyed pochard, is a medium-sized diving duck from Eurosiberia. -
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Flying Steamer Duck Tachyeres patachonicus
Species AccountA large, heavily built duck that is fairly common along rocky seacoasts and on lakes near the coast; also local and uncommon on larger lakes farther inland. -
Flying Steamer Duck Tachyeres patachonicus
Species AccountThe flying steamer duck (Tachyeres patachonicus), also known as the flying steamer-duck or flying steamerduck, is a species of South American duck... -
Flying Steamer Duck Tachyeres patachonicus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa
Species AccountVery finely-speckled dark-grayish duck with a dark eye and an obvious peaked crown. Beak is strongly curved like a ski-jump. -
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa
Species AccountThe Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa) is a moderately large, broad-bodied duck native to southern Australia. It is rare, and though protected by law, classified as endangered. Dark in colour with fine off-white speckles all over, it is most easily identified by its large head with a peaked (as opposed to rounded) crown… -
Fulvous whistling-duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Species AccountBirdLife species profile… -
Fulvous whistling-duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Species AccountThe fulvous whistling duck or fulvous tree duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) is a species of whistling duck that breeds across the world's tropical regions. -
Fulvous whistling-duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
Species AccountHarlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus Gathers in small flocks on rocky coastlines in winter. Feeds on insects, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. -
Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
Species AccountMales of this small duck are unmistakable with their blue plumage. Sadly, this is only an extremely rare winter visitor to northern Britain. -
Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
Species AccountSmall diving duck with thin serrated bill. Breeding males have showy black-and-white crest, a couple zebra stripes on the white breast, and cinnamon-colored... -
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
Species AccountThe hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a species of fish-eating duck in the subfamily Anatinae. It is the only extant species in the genus Lophodytes. -
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Species AccountA distinctive goose found locally along rocky coasts and in intertidal areas; very rarely away from the shoreline. -
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Species AccountThe kelp goose (Spanish: Caranca or Cauquén Marino), Chloephaga hybrida, is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. It is in the shelduck subfamily Tadorninae. It can be found in the Southern part of South America - mainly in Patagonian Chile, Tierra del Fuego, and the Falkland Islands. -
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
King Eider Somateria spectabilis
Species AccountA fantastic sea duck of the high Arctic. Breeding male is particularly shocking, as if you left a child unsupervised with a set of paints... -
King Eider Somateria spectabilis
Species AccountLifecycle and body size information for King Eider, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data. -
King Eider Somateria spectabilis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata
Species AccountLake Duck has a squarer head and a slightly longer tail than Andean Duck, but male plumages are very similar. Female Lake Duck often has more contrasting... -
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata
Species AccountThe lake duck (Oxyura vittata) is a small, South American stiff-tailed duck. It is also called the Argentine blue-bill, Argentine lake duck, or Argentine ruddy duck. -
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
Species AccountImages - Called whistling ducks because of their call, they are also sometimes called tree ducks because they sometimes nest in tree holes!… -
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis
Species AccountThe long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) or coween, is a medium-sized sea duck that breeds in the tundra and taiga regions of the arctic and winters along... -
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis
Species AccountThe Long-tailed Duck is a winter visitor to UK coastal waters, arriving from their arctic breeding grounds. -
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa
Species AccountBirdLife species profile... -
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
Species AccountSmall exotic-looking duck found at lakes and parks, usually with nearby trees. Male very ornate with big orangey sail fins on the back, streaked orangey cheeks. -
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
Species AccountA timid duck of river valleys and small waterbodies with well-vegetated margins. These small ducks nest in tree cavities and will use nest boxes. -
Masked Duck Nomonyx dominicus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Masked Duck Nomonyx dominicus
Species AccountReclusive, rarely seen diving duck of tropical lowlands. Feeds mainly at night and spends much of the day sleeping quietly in marshy vegetation. -
Masked Duck Nomonyx dominicus
Species AccountThe masked duck (Nomonyx dominicus) is a tiny stiff-tailed duck ranging through the tropical Americas. -
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
Species AccountLarge, hefty duck that has wild and domestic types. Wild birds are dark blackish overall with iridescent green and bronze, especially on the wings. -
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
Species AccountFound at scattered locations across England, and less often in Wales and Scotland, Muscovy Ducks are usually found close to human habitation. -
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Musk Duck Biziura lobata
Species AccountLarge and chunky stiff-tailed diving duck with a heavy triangular bill. Floats very low in the water. -
Musk Duck Biziura lobata
Species AccountThe musk duck (Biziura lobata) is a highly aquatic, stiff-tailed duck native to southern Australia. It is the only living member of the genus Biziura. An extinct relative, the New Zealand musk duck or de Lautour's duck (B. delautouri), once occurred on New Zealand, but is only known from prehistoric subfossil bones. -
Musk Duck Biziura lobata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Species Accounthe mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. -
Nene Branta sandvicensis
Species AccountThis inhabitant of Hawaii is an endangered bird that has made a rebound in the 1990s. Today the birds are genetically similar creating inbreeding that can harm their chance of survival in the long run… -
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Species AccountElegant, slender duck with long neck and tail. Males have a chocolate brown head with a white slash coming up the neck, white breast, and mostly gray body. -
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Species AccountPintail facts & figures… -
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata
Species AccountThe northern shoveler known simply in Britain as the shoveler, is a common and widespread duck -
Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata
Species AccountMedium-sized duck; smaller than a Mallard. Huge, spoon-shaped bill visible at a distance and in flight. -
Pink-Footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Pink-Footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Species AccountRelatively small and short-necked goose with contrasting dark brown head and neck, small black bill with pink band near tip, and pink legs. -
Pink-Footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Species AccountThe pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) is a goose which breeds in eastern Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard. It is migratory, wintering in northwest Europe, especially Great Britain, the Netherlands, and western Denmark. The name is often abbreviated in colloquial usage to "pinkfoot" (plural "pinkfeet"). -
Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Species AccountA distinctive species with fine zebra-striped plumage and a long and shovel-shaped bill giving a fang-like appearance. -
Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Species AccountThe pink-eared duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) is a species of duck found in Australia. -
Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis
Species AccountThe red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis) is a brightly marked species of goose in the genus Branta from Eurasia. -
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Species AccountRed-breasted Mergansers are most commonly seen around the UK's coastline in winter. They are very sociable, forming flocks of several hundreds in the autumn. -
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Species AccountThe red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) is a duck species that is native to much of the temperate to subarctic Northern Hemisphere. -
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Species AccountThe red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) is a large diving duck. The scientific name is derived from Greek Netta "duck", and Latin rufina, "golden-red" -
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Species AccountLarger than a pochard, the male has an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks. Females are brown with pale cheeks. Find out more. -
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Species AccountBirdLife species profile -
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Species AccountThe ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a species of duck in the family Anatidae. The ruddy duck is one of six species within the stiff-tailed ducks. -
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Species AccountStriking and distinctive gooselike duck. Plumage bright ruddy overall with contrasting pale creamy head and neck; male has narrow black neck ring. -
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Species AccountDuring migration, Ruddy Shelduck have been recorded flying at heights of up to 6,800 m. -
Smew Mergellus albellus
Species AccountCrisp black and white-coloured male and red-headed female Smew are winter visitors to UK lakes, reservoirs and coastal waters. -
Smew Mergellus albellus
Species AccountThe smew is a small compact diving duck with a delicate bill. The male is white with a black mask and a black back, the female is grey with a reddish-brown head and white cheek. -
Smew Mergellus albellus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Snow Goose Anser caerulescens
Species AccountFull species account... -
Snow Goose Anser caerulescens
Species AccountSpecies account… -
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Species AccountA massive, long-necked,mostly black waterfowl with varying amounts of white on the head, belly, and wings. It has a warty red bill, face, and legs. -
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Species AccountThe spur-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis) is a large, Sub-Saharan African waterbird in the family Anatidae, which includes geese and shelducks. -
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata
Species AccountThe surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is a large sea duck native to North America. Adult males are almost entirely black with characteristic white patches ... -
Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata
Species AccountThis distinctive seaduck, which breeds in the far north of North America and winters south to Florida and California, is a scarce visitor to Britain & Ireland. -
Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
Swan Goose Anser cygnoides
Species AccountThe swan goose (Anser cygnoides) is a rare large goose with a natural breeding range in inland Mongolia, northernmost China, and southeastern Russia. It is migratory and winters mainly in central and eastern China. Vagrant birds are encountered in Japan and Korea (where it used to winter in numbers when it was more common), and more rarely in Kazakhstan, Laos, coastal Siberia, Taiwan, Thailand and Uzbekistan -
Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Species AccountThe torrent duck (Merganetta armata) is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. It is the only member of the genus Merganetta. Today it is placed in the shelduck subfamily Tadorninae after the "perching duck" assemblage where it was formerly assigned to was dissolved because it turned out to be paraphyletic. -
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Species AccountAn amazing duck of fast-flowing Andean rivers and streams. Usually seen as singles or pairs resting on rocks in rushing water... -
Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator
Species AccountThe trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) is a species of swan found in North America. The heaviest living bird native to North America, it is also the largest extant species of waterfowl with a wingspan that may exceed 10 ft (3.0 m).[2] It is the American counterpart and a close relative of the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) of Eurasia, and even has been considered the same species by some authorities. -
Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator
Cornell Species AccountTrumpeter Swans demand superlatives: they’re our biggest native waterfowl, stretching to 6 feet in length and weighing more than 25 pounds, almost twice as massive as a Tundra Swan. Getting airborne requires a lumbering takeoff along a 100-yard runway. -
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
Species AccountThe tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) is a small Holarctic swan. The two taxa within it are usually regarded as conspecific, but are also sometimes[2][3] split into two species: Bewick's swan (Cygnus bewickii) of the Palaearctic and the whistling swan (C. columbianus) proper of the Nearctic. -
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
Cornell Species AccountOn wintry days, flocks of North America’s most numerous swans gather on lakes and estuaries or descend out of gray skies. -
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Species AccountThe upland goose or Magellan Goose (Chloephaga picta) is a sheldgoose of the shelduck-sheldgoose subfamily of the Anatidae, the biological family that includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl such as the geese and swans. This bird is indigenous to the southern part of South America. -
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus
Species AccountA smallish, tawny, bulbous-headed duck that sits low in the water, its tail often flush with the surface, giving it a distinctive appearance -
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus
Species AccountThe white-backed duck (Thalassornis leuconotus) is a waterbird of the family Anatidae. -
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc. -
White-faced Whistling-duck Dendrocygna viduata
Species AccountThe white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) is a whistling duck that breeds in sub-Saharan Africa and much of South America. -
White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala
Species AccountThe white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) is a small stiff-tailed duck some 45 cm (18 in) long. The male has a white head with black crown, a blue bill, and reddish-grey plumage -
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Species AccountThe whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), pronounced hooper swan, is a large Northern Hemisphere swan. -
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
Species AccountThis species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). -
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
Species AccountFound in wetlands and flooded woods. Flies through trees with exceptional maneuverability, thanks to its long tail. -
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map, etc.
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Flight Identification of European Seabirds
WebsiteSeawatching has been gaining popularity in recent years, whether watching from traditional coastal sites or from boats while on specific pelagic trips in search of seabirds and whales. Many seabirds will only be seen in flight, as they pass by prominent headlands or fly past boats, and viewing opportunities are frequently brief. This forthcoming book is the essential field guide for seawatching, specifically designed to address the particular problems and limitations with this kind of birding.
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Black Swan Cygnus atratus
WebpageBirdLife species profile... -
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
WebpageExcellent image+Account -
Ruddy-headed Goose Chloephaga rubidiceps
WebpageExcellent image+Account -
Swan Goose Anser cygnoides
EBird ImageGood image… -
Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis
GalleryExcellent image -
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
WebpageExcellent image+Account -
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
WebpageExcellent image+Account -
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
GalleryExcellent photograph