Wildfowl (also Waterfowl and Waterbird) is the collective term for approximately 147 species of duck, goose and swan (Anseriformes)

Wildfowl usually live on wetland. Many species are hunted, and some are kept for ornamental reasons.

Table of contents
1 Subdivisions
2 Places to see wildfowl in the United Kingdom
3 Places to see wildfowl in the United States
4 See also

Subdivisions

There are a number of subdivisions, e.g. ducks can be subdivided into perching ducks (e.g. teal) and diving ducks (e.g. pochard).

Fowl reared for hunting is usually referred to as waterfowl. Fowl that are not commonly hunted are commonly referred to as waterbirds. That term also includes wading birds, such as stork, whereas the term waterfowl is usually restricted to swimming birds.

In practice, these terms distinguish human activity, not species of birds: a variety raised as ornamental in one place may be hunted in another.


Places to see wildfowl in the United Kingdom

Places to see wildfowl in the United States

See also

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Wildfowl Trust of America, British Waterfowl Association