Beauty and grace

Waterfowl are among the best-known and most fascinating birds. They vary widely from the large, elegant swans to the small, colorful teal. Spectacular flights of waterfowl in both spring and fall are awe-inspiring. And for many, skeins of Canada Geese are the true harbingers of spring.

The birds are widely distributed, occurring on all continents except Antarctica, although they’re present on some subantarctic islands. While some species utilize uplands, most are associated with aquatic habitats, including marshes, ponds, potholes, lakes, and rivers.

Waterfowl belong to a single family (Anatidae) and are divided into two main groups: geese, swans, and whistling-ducks (subfamily Anserinae) and true ducks (subfamily Anatinae). They are further divided into tribes. Geese, swans,