Wildfowl

Wildfowl include ducks, geese, and swans. They live in water and have webbed feet that help them swim. Their bills are flattened and have comb-like edges to help them filter food from the water. However, the shape of their bills can be different depending on how they find their food. Most wildfowl have thick, waterproof feathers that they keep clean using oil from a gland near their tail. Male ducks often have bright colours during the breeding season, while females usually have duller patterns to help them blend in with their surroundings. Wildfowl are found all over the world except in Antarctica. They live in both fresh and saltwater places, including lakes, rivers, marshes, estuaries, and coastal areas. Some live in cold Arctic regions, while others are found in warm tropical wetlands. Many wildfowl migrate long distances, sometimes flying between continents. They eat a variety of foods such as water plants, small animals like insects and worms, or fish, depending on the species. They are strong fliers with fast wingbeats and usually need to run across the water to take off.