Anatids

Anatids are the members of the family Anatidae, within the order Anseriformes, and include ducks, geese, and swans. With roughly 125 species, anatids inhabit wetlands and aquatic habitats worldwide, from Arctic tundra to tropical marshes. They are well adapted to life on or near water, with webbed feet, flattened bills, and strong flight.

Most anatids are omnivorous and feed in water using distinct foraging strategies. Dabbling ducks feed at the surface or by tipping forward to reach vegetation and invertebrates without fully submerging. Diving ducks, sea ducks, and some others dive for prey. Their bills often have lamellae or combs to help filter or trap food.

Reproduction typically involves pairs that breed seasonally near water. Nests are placed on the ground or in vegetation near wetlands. Eggs are laid in clutches and incubated by the female; many species raise precocial young that swim and feed shortly after hatching, with parental care continuing for weeks.

Taxonomically, anatids are divided into subfamilies such as Anserinae (geese and swans), Anatinae (dabbling ducks), and Merginae (sea ducks). Classifications vary with new genetic data, but these groups summarize major ecological and morphological differences. Notable species include the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), the mute swan (Cygnus olor), and the Canada goose (Branta canadensis).

Conservation status among anatids ranges from secure to threatened. Habitat loss, hunting, pollution, and climate change impact many species. Despite pressures, they remain ecologically important in wetlands, contribute to biodiversity, and are valued for birdwatching and hunting in many regions.