Anseriformes - Ducks, Geese, Swans  by Marcia Malory
Anseriformes is the order of aquatic birds that includes ducks,
geese, swans, magpie geese and screamers.  These birds are
sometimes called waterfowl.  About 160 species of anseriformes
are alive today.  Ducks, geese and swans belong to the family
Anatidae.  Anatidae make up the vast majority of Anseriform
species.  The magpie goose, Anseranas semipalmata, is the only
member of the family Anseranatidae. It lives in Australia and
New Guinea.  Canvasback DuckScreamers belong to the family
Anhimidae.  There are three species of screamer, which live in
South America.  Anseriformes live all over the Earth, except for
Antarctica.  They tend to be medium to large in size, ranging
from about 1 to 5 feet long. They can weigh as little as about ½
or as much as about 40 pounds.  All of the anseriformes have
webbed feet, which allow them to swim efficiently.  They have
relatively long necks, which help them to reach food under
water.  Their bodies tend to be broad, wh