WATERFOWL of Australasia
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, Campbell Island Anas nesiotis Found: the Campbell Islands of New Zealand
Photographed by Dick Daniels - Kiwi Birdlife Park, New Zealand
Teal, Chestnut Anas castanea Found: Australia
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 2) Dick - Sylvan Heights
3) Dick - Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney 5, 6) Dick - Featherdale
3 - 5) Male
Teal, Grey Anas gracils Found: Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands
Photographed by: 1, 2) Oystercatcher 3) JJ Harrison - Tasmania, Australia 4) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights
4) Male East Indian Grey Teal (Anas gracilis gibberifrons)
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.