Watvogels

Watvogels is a term derived from Dutch and literally translates to "water birds." It is a broad, informal classification encompassing a wide variety of avian species that are predominantly aquatic in their habitat and behavior. These birds are adapted to life in and around bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Their adaptations often include webbed feet for swimming, specialized beaks for foraging in water, and feathers that are water-repellent.

The category of watvogels is not a strict scientific taxonomic group but rather a functional grouping. It commonly includes families such as ducks, geese, swans (Anatidae), herons, egrets, storks (Ardeidae, Ciconiidae), gulls, terns (Laridae, Sternidae), and various waders and shorebirds. The specific species included can vary depending on regional usage and context. These birds play significant roles in aquatic ecosystems, from seed dispersal to nutrient cycling and as indicators of environmental health. Their feeding strategies are diverse, ranging from filter-feeding to diving for fish and probing for invertebrates in mud. Many watvogels are migratory, traveling long distances between breeding and non-breeding grounds, often following water sources.