WATERFOWL of Africa
The order Anseriformes contains about 150 living species of birds in three families: the Anhimidae (the screamers), Anseranatidae (the Magpie Goose), and the Anatidae, which includes over 140 species of waterfowl, among them the ducks, geese, and swans. All species in the order are web-footed for efficient swimming and have a large wide bill with a specialized tongue that allows water to be sucked in the front of the bill. An array of plates traps food particles as the water is expelled out the sides of the bill. Not all species feed this way, some graze on plants and some also catch fish. [abstracted from Wikipedia]
Dabbling Ducks
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae
Dabbling Ducks belong to genus Anas as is also true for teals. Teals have been given their own web page as an arbitrary way to split the presentation of this large genus. Dabbling ducks do not totally submerge when feeding and are often seen with just their rears showing as the search for food. Because of their feeding method, Dabbling Ducks have evolved to be more buoyant than diving ducks. Most birders identify this type of duck as a "Dabbling Duck", but I personlly think "Dipping Duck" is more descriptive.
Genus Anas
Duck, African Black Anas sparsa Found: Africa
Photographed by Dick Daniels - World of Birds, South Africa
Appears to be genetically closest to the Mallard Duck
Duck, Yellow-billed Anas undulata Found: Africa
Photographed by: 1, 2) Dick Daniels - Plettenberg Bay in South Africa 3, 4) Dick - Sylvan Heights
Pintail, Northern Anas acuta Found: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - the North Carolina Zoo 2, 3, 4, 5) - Sylvan Heights
8) Alan D Wilson - Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Ladner, British Columbia 6, 7) Dick - Wyoming
3, 4, 8) Male 5, 6, 7) Female
Garganey Anas querquedula Found: North America (infrequently), Europe, Asia, Africa
Photographed by: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 3) Dick - Wyoming
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4 - 8) Male
Shoveler, Cape Anas smithii Found: Africa
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - Birds of Eden, South Africa
Genus Pteronetta - 1 species
Duck, Hartlaub's Pteronetta hartlaubii Found: African forests
Photographed by: 1, 2, 3) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights
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Please contact Dick Daniels to determine whether specific photos can be copied.
Please contact Dick Daniels to determine whether specific photos can be copied.