WATERFOWL of South 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]
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
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
Wigeon, American aka Baldpate Anas americana Found: The Americas
Photographed by: 1, 5) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 2, 7) Dick Daniels - North Carolina 3) Dick - Seward, Alaska
4) Alan Vernon 8) Alan D Wilson - Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve, Near San Diego, California
1, 2) Pair 3) Adult female and juvenile 4 - 8) Male
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Wigeon, Chilöe Anas sibilatrix Found: South America
Photographed by: 1, 2, 3, 4) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Found: The Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand
Photographed by: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) Dick Daniels 4) Alan D Wilson - LaFarge Lake, Coquitlam, British Columbia.
2, 3, 4) Female
Males morphing into breeding plumage
Males in breeding plumage
Shoveler, Red Anas platalea Found: South America
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 2) Cláudio Timm - Argentine Lake, Argentina
Genus Lophonetta - 1 species
Duck, Crested Lophonetta specularoides Found: South America
The Crested Duck is quite similar in appearance to the Marbled Duck which is found in the Old World. The Marbled
Duck is classified as a diving duck so perhaps the Crested Duck will eventually be classified as a diving duck.
Genus Speculanas - 1 species
Duck, Bronze-winged aka Spectacled Duck Speculanas specularis Found: South America
Photographed by: Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights
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Genus Tachyeres
There a 4 species of Steamer-ducks. Three are flightless and one can fly, but only rarely. The Steamer-ducks have been traditionally been listed withe shelducks, but DNA evidence indicates they are closer to the Bronzed-winged duck.
Duck, Flying Steamer- Tachyeres patachonicus Found: South America
Photographed by Charlie Westerinen - Ushuaia, Argentina
1, 2) Female
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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.