Element 1: Natural History and Phylogeny

Horned Screamer

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anhimidae

Medeiros, Fabio Colombini. Photo. arkive.org 17 Aug 2012. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://www.arkive.org/horned-screamer/anhima-cornuta/>

Distribution

South American from Columbia and Ecuador to south central Brazil (CLO).

Map. "Horned Screamr Distribution Map". planetofbirds.co. Sept 2007. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anhimidae-horned-screamer-anhima-cornuta>

Habitat

Lakes, freshwater lagoons, tropical wet savannas, river banks (CLO 2010).

Migration

Non-migratory

Diet 

Herbivorous

Foraging Behavior

Grazing and digging with grazing being the most commonly used tactic (CLO 2010). Juveniles' diets are thought to be comprised primarily of insects (PB 2011).

Reproduction

Horned Screamers are monogomous and are thought to pair for several years to life. They do not have a specific breeding season and is the only screamer species known to have a courtship display. The display consists of the male circling and bowing n front of the female. Large nests are built in or near a marsh and are partially submerged in shallow water. Clutch size varies from 2 to 8 precocial young and both sexes show parental care (CLO 2010; PB 2011).

Ediger, Selen. Photo. "Horned Screamer" treknature.com 10 June. 2008. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://www.treknature.com/gallery/photo168496.htm>

Works Cited

Cornell Lab of Ornithology [CLO]. 2010. Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta), Neotropical Birds Online. <http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/distribution?p_p_spp=63796>. Accessed 29 Jan 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta). < http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anhimidae-horned-screamer-anhima-cornuta>. Accessed 29 Jan 2013.

Magpie Goose

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anseranatidae

Photo. conservationreport.com 26 March. 2011. 31 Jan 2013 <http://conservationreport.com/2011/03/26/bird-of-the-day-magpie-goose/>

Distribution

Australia and New Guinea

Map. "Horned Screamr Distribution Map". www.groms.de. 2002. 31 Jan. 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anseranatidae-magpie-goose-anseranas-semipalmata>

Habitat

Coastal areas in swamps, marshes, and wet grasslands (PB 2011). 

Migration

Nomadic, not migratory. Flocks follow wetlands from region to region along the Australian coast (PB 2011).

Diet

Herbivorous. Consists mainly of seeds, bulbs, dry grasses, and wild rice (PB 2011). 
 

Foraging Behavior 

Adults will actively graze and forage. Parents will help chicks to feed by bending tall vegetation to be within reach (PB 2011). 
 

Reproduction

Magpie geese are polygynous and usually breed in groups of 3: 1 male and 2 related females. Sexual maturity is reached at about 2 years of age. They breed in floodplains at the end of the wet season from February to June. Their clutch size varies from 3 to 8 eggs and parental care is shared between males and females (Wilbur 2008).

Thomsen, Paul. "Magpie Goose." Photo. wikipedia.org 18 March. 2008. 31 Jan 2013 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Djambalawa>

Photo. thelife-animal.blogspot.com 20 Dec. 2012. 31 Jan 2013 <http://thelife-animal.blogspot.com/2012/09/magpie-goose.html#.UQsj02f77k8>

Works Cited

Wilber, R. 2008. "Anseranas semipalmata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Anseranas_semipalmata/>. Accessed 29 Jan 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata). < http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anseranatidae-magpie-goose-anseranas-semipalmata >. Accessed 29 Jan 2013.

Fulvous Whistling Duck

(Dendrocygna bicolor)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Dendrocygnini

Hall, Bob. "The Fulvous Whistling Duck". Photo. www.wordpress.com 1 Feb. 2013. <http://ferrebeekeeper.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/fulvous/>

Distribution

Coastal regions of the southern United States (Texas, Louisiana, and Florida), coastal Central America, Cuba, the Domincan Republic, Puerto Rico, and north and central South America.

Map. "Range Map". www.allaboutbirds.org 1 Feb. 2013. <http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Fulvous_Whistling-Duck/lifehistory>

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands (CLO 2013).

Migration

Summer on the Gulf Coasts of Louisiana and Texas. Winter along both coasts of Mexico. (DU 2013).

Diet 

Omnivorous. Fulvous ducks feed on seeds of aquatic plants, rice, and invertebrates. (CLO 2013).

Foraging Behavior

Fulvous whistling ducks are nocturnal filter feeders that dabble and make shallow dives to acquire their food source (DU 2013; CLO 2013).

Reproduction

Fulvous whistling ducks typically build nests out of plant material. these nest are often floating on water and hidden amongst vegetation. The clutch size vaires from 12 - 13 and both parents participate in incubation and brood care (DU 2013; CLO 2013).

Peiker, E.J. "Fulvous Whistling Duck". Photo. www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 1 Feb. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/fulvous_whistling_duck_page.htm>

Peiker, E.J. "Fulvous Whistling Duck". Photo. www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 1 Feb. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/fulvous_whistling_duck_page.htm>

Works Cited

BirdLife International [BLI]. 2013. Species factsheet: Dendrocygna bicolor. < http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=349>. Accessed 29 Jan 2013.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology [CLO]. 2013. Fulvous Whistling-Duck, All About Birds. < http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Fulvous_Whistling-Duck/lifehistory>. Accessed 29 Jan 2013.

Ducks Unlimited [DU]. 2013. Fulvous Whistling Duck. < http://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id/fulvous-whistling-duck>. Accessed 29 Jan 2013.

Ross' Goose

(Chen (Anser) rossii)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae
Tribe: Anserini

Royse, R. "Ross's Goose, Ohio, April". Photo. http://www.roysephotos.com 5 March. 2013. 30 Jan. 2012 <http://www.roysephotos.com/Ross-sGoose.html>.

Distribution

North American and Northern Central America 

Map. "Range Map". www.allaboutbirds.org 5 March. 2013. <http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rosss_Goose/lifehistory>

Habitat

Nesting habitat is on low tundra, marshes an ponds. Winters in agricultural fields, marshes, and shallow lakes (Ryder and Alisauskas 1994; PB 2013).

Migration

Migratory. Winters in the Sacramento Valley of California as well as New Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. (PB 2013).

Diet

Vegetarian. Ross' geese feed on grasses, sedges, and grains (PB 2013).

Foraging Behavior

Ground forager (Ryder and Alisauskas 1994).

Reproduction

Colonial breeder that typically breeds for the first time in their second or third year. The female builds a nest out of leaves, grass, an moss on an island or shore of a tundra lake. She lays  a clutch of 2 - 6 eggs and does 100% of the incubating while the male in the pair stands guard for the entire incubation period of about 3 weeks. Precocial young leave the nest within 24 hours and fledge at 40 - 45 days of age (Ryder and Alisauskas 1994; PB 2013).

Royse, R. "Ross's Goose, New Mexico, December". Photo. http://www.roysephotos.com 5 March. 2013. 30 Jan. 2012 <http://www.roysephotos.com/Ross-sGoose.html>.

Royse, R. "Ross's Goose, Ohio, April". Photo. http://www.roysephotos.com 5 March. 2013. 30 Jan. 2012 <http://www.roysephotos.com/Ross-sGoose.html>.

Works Cited

Ryder, J. P., and R. T. Alisauskas. 1994. Ross' Goose (Chen rossii). In The Birds of North America, No. 162 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2013. Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii). < http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-rosss-goose-chen-rossii>. Accessed 5 March 2013.

  Emperor Goose

(Chen (Anser) canagica)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anserini

Halliday, Michael. "Emperor Goose". Photo. http://www.treknature.com 13 March. 2005. 5 March. 2013 <http://www.treknature.com/gallery/photo10881.htm>.

Distribution

 Western Alaska and Northeast Siberia (PB 2013).

Map. "Range Map". www.allaboutbirds.org 5 March. 2013. <http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/emperor_goose/lifehistory>

Habitat

Emperor geese winter along the coast on rocky shores and mudflats. The spend the summer further inland on the tundra near a lake or riverbed (Brown 2011; PB 2013).

Migration

Migratory. Timing of migration is affected by the weather. Flocks stage on the north shore of the Alaskan Peninsula before moving to their breeding grounds on the Seward Peninsula, St. Lawrence Island, and Siberia from late May to early June. The geese make the reverse route back in late August and early September. They arrive back on the Aleutians by late November (Brown 2011; PB 2013).

Diet

Omnivorous. Emperor geese feed mostly on plant material while on the breeding grounds. During migration and winter they feed on bivalves and marine algae (PB 2013).

Foraging Behavior

Forages on land while on the breeding grounds and on exposed mudflats during migraton and winter (PB 2013).

Reproduction

Emperor geese are monogomous and mate for life. Pairs are formed by the time they reach the breeding grounds. Females begin building nests immediately upon arrival and the first eggs are laid within 10 days. Clutch sizes ranges from 3 - 8 and the females incubate for approximately 25 days. Parental care of the precocial young is shared. Goslings fledge after 50 - 60 days (Brown 2011; PB 2013).

Crolle, Cristiano. "Emperor Goose (Anser canagicus)". Photo. http://ibc.lynxeds.com 2 Dec. 2012. 5 March. 2013 <http://ibc.lynxeds.com/photo/emperor-goose-anser-canagicus/swimming>.

Stimac, David. "Emperor Goose". Photo. http://davidstimac.wordpress.com 21 July. 2011. 5 March. 2013 <http://davidstimac.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/again-with-the-alaska-2/>.

Works Cited

Brown, E. 2011. "Anser canagicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Anser_canagicus/>. Accessed 6 March 2013

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2013. Emperor Goose (Chen canagica). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-emperor-goose-chen-canagica>. Accessed 6  March 2013.

Bar-headed Goose

(Anser indicus)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anserini 

Peiker, E.J.. "Bar-headedGoose". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 12 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/barheaded_goose_page.htm>.

 Distribution

Central Eurasia (PB 2013).

Map. "Bar-headed Goose Distribution Map". www.groms.de. 2002. 12 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-bar-headed-goose-anser-indicus>

Habitat

High elevations. Bar-headed geese winter on mountain grasslands and surrounding crop fields and summer on high altitude lakes (Cucinello 2013; PB 2013).

Migration

Migratory. These birds make two passes over the Himalayas a year at altitudes of up to 9,000 m. The first pass is made on the way to their wintering grounds in northern India, then back again to summer in Western China, Mongolia, and on the Tibetan-Qinghai Plateau (Cucinello 2013; PB 2013).

Diet

Herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses and grains (Cucinello 2013).

Foraging Behavior

Graze on grasses around lakes and streams where they nest. During the rest of the year, they forage on agricultural grains (Cucinello 2013).

Reproduction

Bar-headed geese are monogamous and pair for several years. If the population is biased towards females then a monogamous pair will accept secondary females and adopt a polygynous mating system. Nesting takes place in the open around lakes and nests are typically a shallow depression in the substrate. The average clutch size is 3 - 8 eggs and nests are defended by females against lower ranking females that may attempt brood parasitism. Parental care is shared and goslings fledge at about 50 days of age. Maturity is reached at about 3 years (Cucinello 2013; PB 2013).

Cywong. "Bar-headedGoose". Photo. http://www.hkbws.org.hk 1 Oct. 2010. 12 March. 2013 <http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?action=printable&tid=10253>.

Filiff. "A Bar-headed Goose in St James's Park, London, England". Photo. http://commons.wikimedia.org 19 Nov. 2006. 12 March. 2013 <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bar-headed_Goose_-_St_James%27s_Park,_London_-_Nov_2006.jpg>.

Works Cited

Cucinello, D. 2013. "Anser indicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Anser_indicus/.> Accessed 12 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2013. Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-bar-headed-goose-anser-indicus>. Accessed 12  March 2013.

Barnacle Goose

(Branta leucopsis)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anserini

Morris, Arthur. "Barnacle Goose Head Portrait". Photo. http://www.birdsasart-blog.com 22 June 2011. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2011/06/22/svalbard-day-two-magic-on-diabas/>.

Distribution

 Winters in the British Isles and coastal Netherlands. Breeds across the northern European arctic  (Ekin 2011).

Map. "Barnacle Goose Distribution Map". http://www.planetofbirds.com 2011. 19 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-barnacle-goose-branta-leucopsis>

Habitat

Summers on cliffs and rocky hillsides. Winters in coastal marshes, meadows, and pasture land (Ekin 2011; PB 2011).

Migration

Migratory. Leaves breeding grounds to winter in Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands (Ekin 2011; PB 2011).

Diet 

Herbivorous. Feeds on grass, aquatic vegetation, and agricultural crops (Ekin 2011).
 

Foraging Behavior

Grazes throughout the day and prefers grasses on the coast (PB 2011).
 

Reproduction

Monogomous and pair for life. Breeds from spring until late May to June. Nests are built on cliffs, made of vegetation, and lined with down. Clutch size ranges from 3 to 5 eggs. Young fledge about 40 days after hatching and the family group stays together during migration and wintering (Ekin 2011; PB 2011).

Varesvup, Markus. "Barnacle Goose". Photo.http://www.bbc.co.uk 22 March. 2013 <http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Barnacle_Goose>.

Scacchetti, Larry. "Barnacle Goose". Photo. http://www.njaudubon.org/ 5 Dec. 2012. 22 March 2013. <http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionCenters/SectionAllThingsBirds/AllThingsBirdsBlog/tabid/2316/entryid/125/Rare-Winter-Geese-Are-Here.aspx>.

Works Cited 

Ekin, U. 2011. "Branta leucopsis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Branta_leucopsis/>. Accessed 22 March 2013

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Branta_leucopsis/> Accessed 12 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-barnacle-goose-branta-leucopsis>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Red-breasted Goose

(Branta ruficollis)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anserini

Peiker, E.J.. "Red-breasted Goose". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/redbreasted_goose_page.htm>.

Distribution

Breeds on the Taimyr, Gydan, and Yamal penninsulas, Russia. Winters on the Black Sea coast (BLI 2013).

Map. "Red-breasted Goose Distribution Map". http://www.planetofbirds.com 2011. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-red-breasted-goose-branta-ruficollis>

Habitat

Nests in tundra and favors high, dry areas on steep river banks, rocky slopes, low rocky crags or gulleys. Wintering habitat comprised of agricultural land (PB 2011).

Migration

Migratory. Migration begins in March with 3 to 4 staging areas along the way. They reach the breeding grounds by early June and leave for the wintering grounds starting in mid-September, arriving on the Black Sea coast by October-November (PB 2011).

Diet

Herbivorous. Feeds on grasses, leaves and shoots on the breeding grounds. Winters on grass and crops (BLI 2013).

Foraging Behavior

 Grazing

Reproduction

Colony nesters averaging 5 to 6 pairs. Begin laying in late June with a clutch size of 4 to 5 eggs (PB 2011). 

Potts, Mike . "Red-breasted Geese in Flight". Photo. http://www.arkive.org/ 16 Aug. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.arkive.org/red-breasted-goose/branta-ruficollis/image-G13762.html>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Red-breasted Goose". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/redbreasted_goose_page.htm>.

Works Cited 

BirdLife International [BLI]. 2013. Species factsheet: Branta ruficollis. <http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=387>. Accessed 22 March 2013.

 Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-red-breasted-goose-branta-ruficollis>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Mute Swan

(Cygnus olor)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Cygnini

Peiker, E.J.. "Mute Swan". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 7 Jan. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/mute_swan_page.htm>.

Distribution

Europe to Central Asia (PB 2011).

Map. "Mute Swan Distribution Map". http://www.planetofbirds.com 2011. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-mute-swan-cygnus-olor>

Habitat

Inhabits fresh- and salwater ponds, coastal lagoons, and bays (PB 2011). 

Migration

Wild populations are mainly migratory while European and feral populations  are mostly sedentary (PB 2011). 

Diet

Omnivorous. Feeds on aquatic plant material, grasses, grain, and invertebrates (PB 2011). 

Foraging Behavior

Dabbling. 

Reproduction

Begin forming pairs in their second year, but do not breed until their 3rd or 4th. The nest is a large mound of vegetation built by the female with materials collected by the male. Clutch size is 4 to 6 and parental care is shared by both parents. Young fly by 4 to 5 months of age, but remain with parents through their first winter. Breeding pairs often reuse nesting sites if they were successful (PB 2011; BLI 2013).

Peiker, E.J.. "Mute Swan". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 7 Jan. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/mute_swan_page.htm>.

Pingstone, Adrian. "Mute Swan Cygnus olor flying at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, England". Photo. http://commons.wikimedia.org 1 Apr. 2008. 22 March. 2013 <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mute_swan_flies_arp.jpg>.

Works Cited

BirdLife International [BLI]. 2013. Species factsheet: Cygnus olor. <http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=366>. Accessed 22 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-mute-swan-cygnus-olor>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Blue Duck

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Merganettini

Peiker, E.J.. "Blue Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 7 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/blue_duck_page.htm>.

Distribution

 New Zealand (PB 2011).

Map. "Blue Duck Distribution Map". http://www.planetofbirds.com 2011. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-blue-duck-hymenolaimus-malacorhynchos>

Habitat

Rivers, confined to headwater catchments over parts of the north and south islands (PB 2011).

Migration

Sedentary (PB 2011). 

Diet

Carnivorous, feeding on freshwater invertebrates (PB 2011).

Foraging Behavior

Dabbling. Occasionally dives in white water areas (PB 2011).

Reproduction

Females begin breeding in their first year while males' first attempt is in their second year. Breeding begins in early August. Nests are located in river-side caves, beneath clumps of flax or grass, in holes in the river bank, and in hollow logs. Clutch size is 5 to 6 eggs. Females incubate while males defend the territory. Young are precocial and fledge between 70 and 82 days (PB 2011).

Peiker, E.J.. "Blue Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 7 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/blue_duck_page.htm>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Blue Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 7 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/blue_duck_page.htm>.

 

Works Cited

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Blue Duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-blue-duck-hymenolaimus-malacorhynchos>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Ruddy Shelduck

(Tadorna (Casarca) ferruginea)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Tadornini

Peiker, E.J.. "Ruddy Shelduck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/ruddy_shelduck_page.htm>.

Distribution

Central and southern Eurasia (PB 2011).

Map. "Ruddy Shelduck Distribution Map". http://www.planetofbirds.com 2011. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-ruddy-shelduck-tadorna-ferruginea>.

Habitat

Shores of inland freshwater, saline, and brackish lakes and rivers in open country. Less dependent on large bodies of water than other ducks. Found a considerable distance away from water during the breeding season and prefers streams, freshwater pools, and flooded grasslands during the non-breeding season (BLI 2013).

Migration 

Asian populations largely migratory, moving south to winter in India and south-east Asia. Other populations are sedentary or dispersive only moving locally (BLI 2013). 

Diet

Omnivorous. Feeds on shoots and seeds of terrestrial vegetation, agricultural grains, crustaceans, aquatic insects, amphibians, and small fish (BLI 2013). 

Foraging Behavior

Plucks vegetation and dabbles in shallow water (PB 2011). 
 

Reproduction

Nest are shallow depression lined with down usually located far away from water in burrows or holes in sand or clay banks. Have also been known to nest in abandoned buildings and hollow trees. Eggs are laid from mid-March to early May and clutch size ranges from 6 to 12. Young fledge after about 55 days (PB 2011; BLI 2013).

"lightwriter 40". "Ruddy Shelduck (brahminy duck) in flight". Photo. www.flickr.com 19 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/drskumaravel/6801884470/in/photostream/>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Ruddy Shelduck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/ruddy_shelduck_page.htm>.

Works Cited

BirdLife International [BLI]. 2013. Species factsheet: Tadorna ferruginea. <http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=397>. Accessed 22 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-ruddy-shelduck-tadorna-ferruginea>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Mandarin Duck

(Aix galericulata)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anatini

Peiker, E.J.. "Mandarin Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/mandarin_duck_page.htm>.

Distribution

Eastern Eurasia (PB 2011).

Map. "Mandarin Duck Distribution Map". http://www.planetofbirds.com 2011. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-mandarin-duck-aix-galericulata>.

Habitat

Middle-latitude temperate broad-leaf forest with standing or slow-flowing fresh waters. Ideally with shrubs, reeds, or sedge to provide cover down to the water (PB 2011). 

Migration

Asian population migratory, wintering at lower latitudes in eastern China. Feral Japanese and British populations are mostly sedentary (PB 2011).

Diet

Omnivorous. Feeds on vegetation, especially seeds and nuts (acorns), and terrestrial molluscs and insects (PB 2011).

Foraging Behavior

Feeds during both the day and night and on both land and water. Dabbles. Rarely dives (PB 2011). 

Reproduction

An impressive courtship display results in a pair forming by the beginning of winter and may persist for many seasons. Nests are always in a tree cavity. Clutch size ranges from 9 to 12. Young fledge after 40 to 45 days (PB 2011).

Bogaerts, Monique. "Mandarin Duck". Photo. http://www.pbase.com/ 22 March. 2013 <http://www.pbase.com/image/80690545>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Mandarin Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/mandarin_duck_page.htm>.

Works Cited 

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-mandarin-duck-aix-galericulata>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Gadwall

(Anas (Mareca) strepera)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anatini

Peiker, E.J.. "Gadwall". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/gadwall_page.htm>.

Distribution

Widespread across North America and Eurasia (PB 2011).

Map. "Gadwall Distribution Map". www.groms.de. 2002. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-gadwall-anas-strepera>

Habitat

Freshwater marshes or lakes in open lowland grassland. Nests on densely grass-covered islands (BLI 2013).

Migration

Partially migratory. Birds in higher latitudes move north to winter; while birds in temperate regions are more sedentary (PB 2011).

Diet

Omnivorous. Feed on aquatic vegetation, vertebrates, and crustaceans (PB 2011).

Foraging Behavior

Dabbling. Feed far from the shoreline (PB 2011). 

Reproduction

Breed near seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands in shortgrass, tallgrass, and mixed prairie of the United States and Canada. Clutch size ranges from 7 to 12 eggs (PB 2011).

Duncan, Michael R. "Flight of the Gadwall". Photo.http://www.capturekerncounty.com 21 Jan. 2012 <http://www.capturekerncounty.com/photos/555601/>.

Kilbey, David. "Gadwall drake with feathers ruffled". Photo. http://www.arkive.org 22 March. 2013 <http://www.arkive.org/gadwall/anas-strepera/>.

Works Cited 

BirdLife International [BLI]. 2013. Species factsheet: Anas strepera. <http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=427>. Accessed 22 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Gadwall (Anas strepera). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-gadwall-anas-strepera>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

 

Blue-winged Teal

(Anas discors)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anatini

Peiker, E.J.. "Blue-winged Teal". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/bluewinged_teal_page.htm>.

Distribution

North and Central America, and northern South America (PB 2011).

Map. "Blue-winged Teal Distribution Map". www.groms.de. 1999. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-blue-winged-teal-anas-discors>

Habitat

Winer on inland freshwater shallow ponds and seasonal and permanent wetlands. Breeding takes place in salt-marsh meadows (PB 2011).

Migration

Migratory. Winter extensively in South America. Fall migration begins in early August and most birds are gone by mid-October.Spring migration happens early and most arrive by April and May (PB 2011).

Diet

Omnivorous. Feed on aquatic invertebrates and vegetation (PB 2011).

 

Foraging Behavior

Surface feeders. Dabble in shallow water or skim mudflats (PB 2011).

Reproduction

 Courtship begins in late January or early February with nesting beginning between April and May. Clutch size varies from 5 to 12 dependin on age and nesting attempts for that season. Precocial young hatch after 21 to 27 days an fledge after 6 to 7 weeks (PB 2011).

Sunderland, Kevan. "Blue Winged Teal Wing Flap Viera Wetlands". Photo. http://www.flickr.com 13 Jan. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/35303070@N02/7644391884/in/photostream/>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Blue-winged Teal". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/bluewinged_teal_page.htm>.

Works Cited 

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-blue-winged-teal-anas-discors>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Northern Pintail

(Anas acuta)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Anatini

Peiker, E.J.. "Northern Pintail". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/northern_pintail_page.htm>.

Distribution

Worldwide. Generally breed in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere (Robinson 2002).

Map. "Northern Pintail Distribution Map". www.groms.de. 2002. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-northern-pintail-anas-acuta>

Habitat

 Small lakes, rivers, and shallow freshwater marshes. Winter on coastal lagoons (PB 2011). 

Migration

Migratory. Move to Mexico, southeast Asia, and parts of Africa in mid-August to early September. Departs to breeding grounds in February and March (Robinson 2002; PB 2011).

Diet

Omnivorous. Feed on grains, grasses, and insects (Robinson 2002). 

Foraging Behavior

Dabbling. Occasionally grazes on land (PB 2011).

Reproduction

Monogamous. Begin pairing on wintering grouns and continues through spring migration. The nest is a shallow depression built by the female, made of grass and twigs, lined with down, and is located amongst short vegetation and near water. Clutch size varies from 6 to 10 eggs. Pairs dissolve shortly after incubation begins and the female tends to the eggs and young  until they fledge between 38 and 52 days (PB 2011). 

Amoruso, Robert. "Northern Pintail male in flight". Photo. http://www.birdsasart.com 2006. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.birdsasart.com/bn230.htm>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Northern Pintail". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/northern_pintail_page.htm>.

Works Cited

Robinson, J. 2002. "Anas acuta" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Anas_acuta/>. Accessed 22 March 2013

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Branta_leucopsis/> Accessed 12 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-northern-pintail-anas-acuta>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Red-crested Pochard

(Netta rufina)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Aythyini

Peiker, E.J.. "Red-crested Pochard". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/redcrested_pochard_page.htm>.

Distribution

 Western and central Eurasia (PB 2011).

Map. "Red-crested Pochard Distribution Map". http://www.planetofbirds.com 2011. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-red-crested-pochard-netta-rufina>.

Habitat

 Deep inland fresh or brackish lakes, rivers, or saline and alkaline lagoons in open country (BLI 2013).

Migration

Migratory. After completion of the post-breeding moult, birds depart for the wintering grounds arriving in October. Spring migration takes place in February-March ending by early May (PB 2011; BLI 2013).

Diet

Mostly herbivorous. Feeds on aquatic plants and occasionally on invertebrates (PB 2011).

Foraging Behavior

Dabbling. 

Reproduction

Nesting begins in May. The nest is built on the ground among dense vegetation in a depression lined with grass, leaves, and down and always near water. Clutch size ranges from 6 to 14 an nest parasitism is not uncommon with some hosts being Mallard and Gadwall. Young fledge from 45 to 50 days after hatching (PB 2011).

Billington, Ken. "Red-crested Pochard". Photo. http://commons.wikimedia.org 17 Jun. 2009. 22 March. 2013 <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Crested_Pochard_%28Netta_rufina%29_%2816%29.jpg>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Red-crested Pochard". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 29 Feb. 2012. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/redcrested_pochard_page.htm>.

Works Cited

BirdLife International [BLI]. 2013. Species factsheet: Netta rufina. <http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=469>. Accessed 22 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-red-crested-pochard-netta-rufina>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

Redhead

(Aythya (Aristonetta) americana)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Aythyini

Peiker, E.J.. "Redhead". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/redhead_page.htm>.

Distribution

 North America (PB 2011).

Map. "Range Map". www.allaboutbirds.org 1 Feb. 2013. <http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Fulvous_Whistling-Duck/lifehistory>

Habitat 

 Shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes (Hoak 2003). 

Migration

Migratory. Fall migration begins in September ending in the southern United States and Mexico. Breeding grounds located mainly in the Prairie Pothole Region (Hoak 2003).

Diet

Omnivorous. Feeds on aquatic plants, molluscs, insects, and small fish (PB 2011).

Foraging Behavior

Dabbling or diving (PB 2011).

Reproduction

Monogomous and occasionally parasitic. Breeding season begins in late April to early June and takes place in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America. Nests are made either on land or over water supported by dense vegetation. Nests are constructed with bulrush and cattails, is deeply hollowed, and lined with down. Clutch size ranges from 9 to 13 and young fledge between 55 and 75 days of age (Hoak 2003). 

McKay, Rob. "Redhead Duck In-Flight". Photo. http://robmckayphotography.com 22 May 2010. 22 March. 2013 <http://robmckayphotography.com/birding-photography-canada/redhead-duck-in-fligt>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Redhead". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/redhead_page.htm>.

Works Cited 

Hoak, E. 2003. "Aythya americana" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Aythya_americana/>. Accessed 22 March 2013

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Branta_leucopsis/> Accessed 12 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Redhead (Aythya americana). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-redhead-aythya-americana>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

 

Ring-necked Duck

(Aythya collaris)

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Tribe: Aythyini 

Peiker, E.J.. "Ring-necked Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/ringnecked_duck_page.htm>.

Distribution

North America (PB 2011).

Map. "Ring-necked Duck Distribution Map". www.groms.de. 2002. 22 March 2013 <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-ring-necked-duck-aythya-collaris>

Habitat

Prefers freshwater wetlands during breeding an post-breeding seasons. Winters in floodplains of rivers, fresh and brackish parts of estuaries, and shallow inland lakes (Patel 2011).

Migration

Migratory. Winters in lowlands along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, following the Pacific, and south to Panama and West Indies.  Spring migration occurs from February to May. Fall migration occurs from September to December (Patel 2011; PB 2011).

Diet

Omnivorous. Feeds on tubers, seeds, and leaves of aquatic plants as well as aquatic insects and molluscs (PB 2011).

Foraging Behavior

Diving (PB 2011).

Reproduction

Monogamous. Forms pair bonds during spring migration from March until April. Breeding season occurs between May and August. Birds nest in sedge-meadow marshes, swamps, and bogs surrounded by woody vegetation. Nests are lind with grasses and down. Clutch size varies from 6 to 14 and precocial young fledge after 49 to 56 days (Patel 2011, PB 2011). 

Peiker, E.J.. "Ring-necked Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/ringnecked_duck_page.htm>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Ring-necked Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/ringnecked_duck_page.htm>.

Peiker, E.J.. "Ring-necked Duck". Photo. http://www.ejphoto.com 14 Feb. 2013. 22 March. 2013 <http://www.ejphoto.com/ringnecked_duck_page.htm>.

Works Cited 

Patel, S. 2011. "Aythya collaris" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Aythya_collaris/>. Accessed 22 March 2013

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Branta_leucopsis/> Accessed 12 March 2013.

Planet of Birds [PB]. 2011. Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris). <http://www.planetofbirds.com/anseriformes-anatidae-ring-necked-duck-aythya-collaris>. Accessed 22  March 2013.

 

Ekin, U. 2011. "Branta leucopsis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed March 22, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Branta_leucopsis/