Anserinae
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
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AnatidaeClassificationgoose)Subfamily AnserinaeTribe Dendrocygnini (whistling duck or tree duck)Tribe Anserini (goose; swan)Tribe Stictonettini (proposed) (freckled duck)
Read Moregoose)Subfamily AnserinaeTribe Dendrocygnini (whistling duck or tree duck)Tribe Anserini (goose; swan)Tribe Stictonettini (proposed) (freckled duck)
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anseriformAnnotated classificationSubfamily Anserinae (swans and typical geese)24 species in 6 genera with breeding distribution primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Legs short to medium; neck medium to long. Sexes similar in plumage, voice, and behaviour, includes “triumph” ceremony and precopulatory head dipping. Long pair bond and extended…
Read MoreSubfamily Anserinae (swans and typical geese)24 species in 6 genera with breeding distribution primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Legs short to medium; neck medium to long. Sexes similar in plumage, voice, and behaviour, includes “triumph” ceremony and precopulatory head dipping. Long pair bond and extended…
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