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
Teals belong to genus Anas as is also true for dabbling ducks. Teals have been given their own web page as an arbitrary way to split the presentation of this large genus. Teals 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, teals have evolved to be more buoyant than diving ducks.
Genus Anas
Teal, Bernier's aka Madagascar Teal Anas bernieri Endemic to Madagascar
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 2, 3) Dick - Sylvan Heights
Teal, Cape Anas capensis Found: Africa
Photographed by: 1, 2, 4) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 3) Dick - Sylvan Heights 5, 6, 7 Dick - Tanzania
Teal, Hottentot Anas hottentota Found: Africa
Photographed by: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 4) Dick - Sylvan Heights 5) Sandy Cole - Sylvan Heights
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Teal, Red-billed aka Red-billed Pintail Anas erythrorhyncha Found: Africa
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - Birds of Eden, South Africa 2) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 3) Dick - Sylvan Heights
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