Ducks and Geese
Order: Anseriformes. Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Madagascar.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-faced Whistling-Duck | Dendrocygna viduata | Common resident, LC |
| Fulvous Whistling-Duck | Dendrocygna bicolor | Uncommon resident, LC |
| White-backed Duck | Thalassornis leuconotus | Rare resident, LC |
| Comb Duck | Sarkidiornis melanotos | Locally common resident, LC |
| African Pygmy-goose | Nettapus auritus | Common resident, LC |
| Meller's Duck* | Anas melleri | Uncommon resident, EN |
| Red-billed Duck | Anas erythrorhyncha | Common resident, LC |
| Hottentot Teal | Anas hottentota | Locally common resident, LC |
| Bernier's Teal* | Anas bernieri | Rare resident, EN |
| Madagascar Pochard* | Aythya innotata | Recently rediscovered, CR |
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of Madagascar
Famous quotes containing the words ducks and/or geese:
“Proverbial wisdom counsels against risk and change. But sitting ducks fare worst of all.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“the clanging chains
of geese are harnessed to the moon:”
—Roy Campbell (1902–1957)