雁形目 Anseriformes

雁形目 Anseriformes，來自拉丁文的 ānser (鵝) 和拉丁文的 -fōrmis (形狀)，意思是「鵝的形狀」，說明這些動物是有鵝的形狀及跟鵝有關係。

Anseriformes, Latin ānser (“goose”) and Latin -fōrmis (“-shaped”), means “goose-shaped”, in reference to the fact that these animals are all goose-shaped and goose-related.

種的俗名 Common names of members

鴨、鵝、天鵝、叫鴨。

Ducks, geese, swans, and screamers.

分佈 Distribution

世界各地，除了南極地區以及撒哈拉和阿拉伯沙漠的極度乾燥地區。

Worldwide, except for the Antarctic region and extremely arid regions on the Sahara and Arabian deserts.

體型 Size

身高範圍於26.5厘米長到183厘米長，體重於164克到17.2公斤。

They range in size from 26.5 cm long and 164 g in weight to 183 cm long and 17.2 kg in weight.

形態 Morphology

牠們主要的體型呈現是寬闊而細長的。潛水物種與此不同，牠們更圓潤的。強壯的翅膀肌肉產生快速的節拍在飛行過程中，支撐著短而尖的翅膀。儘管脖子的長度因物種而異，但是牠們通常都有長脖子。雖然小的但有力的腳，而位於身體後方較遠的位置（尤其是水生物種），還具有鱗片，像皮革質地。除了少數缺蹼的物種外，牠們的腳總是有蹼的。牠們的喙是柔軟而有角蛋白，在頂部的皮膚薄而敏感，摸起來有皮革般的感覺。大多數的物種都表現出更圓的喙形狀，無論是稍微或明顯。濾食性物種具有非常清晰的鋸齒狀硬骨。由於牠們羽毛含有獨特的油脂，防水能力非常好。

Their main body plan is broad and elongated. Diver species differ from this in that they are more rounded. Strong wing muscles that produce quick beats during flight support the short, pointed wings. Although the length of their necks varies according to the species, they usually have long necks. The legs are powerful, small, and positioned far behind the body (especially in aquatic species). They also have a scaly, leathery texture. Except for a few species that have lost their webbing, their feet are always webbed. The skin on top of the soft keratin bills is thin and sensitive, giving them a leathery feel to the touch. The majority of species exhibit a more rounded bill shape, either somewhat or significantly. In the filter-feeding species, these have very well-defined serrated lamellae. Because of unique oils in their feathers, they shed water exceptionally well.

生態及棲息地 Ecology & Habitat

濕地和草澤，以及湖泊、池塘、溪流、河流和林澤。

Wetlands and marshes with some grass, as well as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers and swamps.

食性 Diet

成年物種主要吃各種各樣的水生植物，有一些物種也會捕食魚類】軟體動物和水生節肢動物。

As adults, they mostly consume a variety of water plants, while certain species also consume fish, mollusks, and aquatic arthropods.

繁殖 Reproduction

通常是一夫一妻制和季節性繁殖的，一夫一妻制的程度因物種而異。

They are typically monogamous and seasonal breeders. Monogamy level varies across species.