How do ducks, geese, and swans differ in pair bonding and parental care?

In the order Anseriformes, pair bonding and parental care strategies differ significantly between ducks and the longer-lived geese and swans.12

Pair Bonding

• Ducks: Generally short-lived, ducks typically form pair bonds that are less enduring than those of geese and swans. In many duck species, the male deserts the female once incubation begins, often departing to undergo a molt-migration.21
• Geese and Swans: These birds are long-lived and typically pair for life. They reinforce their bonds through mutual displays, such as the "triumph ceremony," which involves calling and head waving after the male defends the pair against an intruder.23

Parental Care

• Ducks: The female is primarily responsible for incubation and brooding. Because the male often leaves during the incubation period, the female provides the majority of care until the young fledge.14
• Geese and Swans: Unlike most ducks, the male goose or swan remains with the female and family throughout the incubation and molting periods. Furthermore, while young ducks must migrate independently after fledging, young geese and swans remain with their parents during their first winter, migrating to and from wintering grounds in their company.1