Goose birds

the goose birds (Anseriformes) form an order of the birds (Aves) and for the Neukiefervögeln (Neognathae) are assigned. The group enclosure among other things those colloquially as geese, ducks and swans marked birds, in addition, for example the military birds South America. Goose birds belong to the most important groups of birds in the humid areas of the earth.

characteristics

goose birds have generally a stout firm body with comparativelysmall head, which often sits at a long neck. The bill is apart from the military birds broad and flattened; at its point often a hardening, which serves the Abzupfen of plant material, is during itself at the edges small outHorn existing „denticles “, which find lamellas, which help to filter edible particles from the water.

A further characteristic characteristic are the swimming skins between the three toes pointing forward, however with the military birds and the gap foot goose (Anseranas semipalmata) are strongly regressed. Like already the name suggest, they are used for fast progressive movement in the water.

The plumage is waterproof and with many kinds, in particular with the males, multicolored examined. It becomes a steady care bywater-rejecting oil submitted, which is sekretiert by on the trunk lain and by the bill a stimulated gland and distributed then by flashes of the feathers/springs over the whole body. With the Mauser lose most kinds all feathers/springs at the same time; thoseMales show a very inconspicuous plumage design, which serves them in its flight-unable condition for the camouflage before Fressfeinden in this time usually. The thermal insulation is ensured by a thick situation by Daunenfedern and a fat layer which was under the skin.

Flight

most goose birds are excellent flier; the strip goose (Anser indicus) is even the maximumflying bird at all. Numerous kinds put expanded migrations back between their breeding places and wintering areas, which can be many thousand kilometers long as migratory birds.

habitat and nutrition

of goose birds live usually near at the water, in sumps and moorlands, the Mündungsgebieten or bank regions of rivers or at territorial waters. Some kinds spend the majority of their life on the open sea and turn only toBreed ashore back.

Most visit their food or close of the water surface, other one dip after aquatic plants, while in particular geese, swans and military birds also ashore among other things of grasses and herbs nourish themselves, which abäsen them. Goose birds swallowregularly small Steinchen, which serve the food in the muskulösen stomach as Gastrolithen for cutting up.

systematics

within the goose birds one differentiates between four families (see also systematics of the birds):

• Military birds (Anhimidae)
• gap foot geese (Anseranatidae)
• duck birds (Anatidae)
• New Zealand geese (Cnemiornithidae) †

Web on the left of

Commons: Goose birds - pictures, videos and/or audio files