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]
Geese
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae
The following genus comprise the
true geese:
Anser,
Branta, and
Chen. They are large, monogamous waterfowl. The Cape Barren Goose, Spur-winged Goose, and Magpie Goose are not true geese. Similary, many species termed goose actually belong to the shelduck subfamily. The closest relatives of the true geese are the swans of genus
cygnus.
Presently I have no true geese photos for Africa. There are some Sheldgeese photos
.
All photos on this site are available for general use. Please credit the photographer. Some images have additional constraints such as no commercial use or no modifications. Click the photo credit link for details.
Dick Daniels, webmaster.