The Anatidae, collectively known as waterfowl or wildfowl, encompass ducks, geese, and swans. The family is represented on all continents, and contains 43 genera and ca. 147 species. A number of species are migratory. Anatids are medium- to large-sized birds with short and pointed wings, long necks, and webbed feet. They are adapted for swimming, and some species also to diving. Many species of ducks exhibit sexual dimorphism, with the males being more brightly coloured than the females. The ducks are seasonally monogamous, while swans and geese maintain pair bonds over a number of years. Nests are usually a heap of vegetation material, often lined with down, although several species nest in tree cavities. Some ducks occasionally lay eggs in the nests of related species. Clutch 3-14 eggs, and incubation lasts 22-39 days. Only the female incubates. The young are precocial. Waterfowl are generally herbivorous, feeding on various water-plants, although some species specialize in eating fish (mergansers), molluscs (some diving ducks and eiders), or aquatic arthropods.

		Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus)
		Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
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