Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The subfamily Anserinae consists of swans and typical geese. These birds are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere and are characterized by their legs, which are short to medium in length, and their medium to long necks. Both sexes of Anserinae birds share similar plumage, vocalizations, and behaviors. A notable behavior is the "triumph ceremony" and precopulatory head dipping. They form long-lasting pair bonds and have extended family lives, with young birds typically maturing between their second and fourth year. Anserinae are herbivores, and their wings are usually moderately long and pointed, with short tails. They are capable swimmers, and many are primarily aquatic. The subfamily includes genera such as Anser (gray geese) and Branta (black geese).1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.