Anseriformes, or waterfowl, are an order of aquatic birds that include ducks, geese, and swan. Since these birds are frequently aquatic, many Anseriformes have webbed feet. Anseriformes are medium to large in size and are primarily herbivorous, but will forge on occasion for insects, mollusks, or small fish. During mating season, Anseriformes will often display complex courting displays with various vocalizations and body postures. Anseriformes are found worldwide, except in the Antarctic region. Anseriformes have been domesticated for their egg, meat, and liver production and some are hunted for sport or for their feathers.
Waterfowl, belonging to the order Anseriformes, are adapted for life in water. They typically have a robust, rounded body, short legs, and webbed feet ideal for swimming. Their feathers are waterproof, thanks to special oils. Many species have a specialized bill for sifting food from water. They exhibit a range of movements, from elegant swimming to awkward waddling on land. Their vocalizations vary from the iconic quack of ducks to more complex calls for communication. Waterfowl have keen vision, suited to spotting predators or prey, and their sense of hearing is attuned to the calls of their kind.
Humans and waterfowl share a long-standing relationship that spans from domestication of ducks and geese for eggs and meat to the iconic use of ducks in children's literature and games, like the classic "Duck, Duck, Goose." Waterfowl are also central to many traditional and recreational hunting practices. In pop culture, characters like Donald Duck and Daffy Duck highlight their prominence.
Conservation efforts have become crucial due to habitat loss and pollution. Initiatives like wetland restoration and protection, sustainable hunting regulations, and public education campaigns aim to preserve waterfowl populations and their natural environments for future generations.
A waterfowl’s diet is dependent on their habitat, and species. Some waterfowl are omnivores while others are exclusively herbivores. Herbivores may eat smartweed, pondweeds, widgeon grass, natural seeds, and native plants to their habitat. Some waterfowl may consume aquatic invertebrates. Waterfowl typically eat about 10% of their body weight in plant matter every day.
In order to hunt waterfowl successfully you will need to get the right camouflage gear, hunt with someone who has hunting experience, and make sure you hunt in an area in which you have permission to do so. It is also important to have the right firearm and decoy, have the right duck call, and hunt legally.
It is illegal to hunt waterfowl with lead shot due to high levels of lead in meat that has been commercially processed. The residual lead in the meat is from the bullets used in hunting. Lead is especially harmful to small children and pregnant women.
