Theanatidae are the biological family ofbirds that includes theducks,geese andswans.[1]
These birds are common and widespread, and live in or near water. The family has acosmopolitan distribution, on all the world's continents exceptAntarctica and on most of the world's islands and island groups.
These arebirds that areadapted for swimming, floating on the water surface, and in some casesdiving. The family has about 146 species in 40genera. They are usuallyherbivorous, and aremonogamous breeders. A number of species doannual migrations. A few species have beendomesticated for agriculture, and many others are hunted for food and recreation. Five species have become extinct since 1600, and others are close toextinction.
- ↑Carboneras, Carles 1992. Family Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans). In: del Hoyo, Josep; Elliott, Andrew & Sargatal, Jordi (eds):Handbook of Birds of the World (volume 1: Ostrich to Ducks): 536–629. Lynx Editions, Barcelona.ISBN 84-87334-10-5
