Order Anseriformes Characteristics

Let us see the main features that make these birds an order of their own:

The anseriform bill is the most recognizable feature: it is broad and somewhat flattened. Its shape can slightly vary depending on the diet of the particular species.
Some waterfowl birds have bills with fringes composed of thin lamellae that can help filter food .
The waterfowl have short, sturdy legs adapted for walking or swimming. The feet usually have webbing between the toes.
These birds can vary in size depending on their habitat and diet: from 30 cm to 1.5 m.
All of these birds have a prominent neck, from medium to long.
The birds have varied coloring, from black, grey and brown to brighter coloring in some species, like mandarin ducks.
Migrating Anseriformes species have mighty wings that are adapted for the long – distance flights. Migratory species are of great interest to the scientists, as it is somewhat of a mystery how do these birds manage to travel the same routes without mistake.
Most of the species form groups that settle and feed together and often migrate together as well.
As the name suggests. most waterfowl birds live near freshwater or marine sources and migrate yearly for breeding.
Most species are monogamous, forming the same pair from year to year.
The female ducks and swans lay several eggs.
The young hatchlings are well-developed and are usually able to see and walk almost immediately.
The parents watch over their young, and they oversee their feeding, swimming and flying.
The young Anseriformes chicks hatch fully developed, able to see and follow their parents.
The species that spend a lot of time swimming have legs with flattened bones with webbing.
Most anseriformes feed on plants or their parts, such as leaves or seeds. Some of them can hunt for insects, plankton, or mollusks.
Not only do waterfowl birds have many predators, both on land and in water, they also are threatened by human hunters, for most of these species are popular as game. Many Anseriformes species are threatened because of pollution and hunting.

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