WATERFOWL of North America
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]
Stiff-Tailed Ducks
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae
The stiff-tailed ducks have stiff tail feathers, which are erected when the bird is at rest. All have relatively large swollen bills. These are freshwater diving ducks. Their legs are set far back, making them awkward on land, so they rarely leave the water. Their unusual displays involve drumming noises from inflatable throat-sacs, head throwing, and erecting short crests. Plumage sequences are complicated, and aging difficult. [abstracted from Wikipedia]
Genus Oxyura
Duck, Ruddy Oxyura jamaicensis Found: North America, Europe
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 2) Sandy Cole - Sylvan Heights 3, 4, 5, 8) Dick - Sylvan Heights
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6) Dick - Monterey, California 7) Dick - Sunset Beach, North Carolina
1, 2) Breeding male 3, 4) Nonbreeding male 5 - 8) Female
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.