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:
“For hours, in fall days, I watched the ducks cunningly tack and veer and hold the middle of the pond, far from the sportsman;... but what beside safety they got by sailing in the middle of Walden I do not know, unless they love its water for the same reason that I do.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“As it grew darker, I was startled by the honking of geese flying low over the woods, like weary travellers getting in late from Southern lakes, and indulging at last in unrestrained complaint and mutual consolation. Standing at my door, I could hear the rush of their wings; when, driving toward my house, they suddenly spied my light, and with hushed clamor wheeled and settled in the pond. So I came in, and shut the door, and passed my first spring night in the woods.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)