Birds are a group of vertebrates that have been closely related to humans for centuries. Although there have been various controversies for their definitive classification, in general, traditional taxonomy considers them to belong to the Aves class. Meanwhile, for phylogenetic systematics they are included in the Archosaurs, which they currently share with crocodiles.
There are thousands of species of birds, which inhabit innumerable ecosystems, both terrestrial and aquatic. It is quite common for birds to amaze us with their songs, flight patterns and plumage. All this undoubtedly makes them quite striking animals. However, within this group there is great diversity, which could sometimes lead to some confusion for their identification. That is why in this article on our site, we present the differences between goose, goose, swan and duck, different birds that cause admiration for their majesty. Take note!
Taxonomy of the duck, swan and goose
How are these birds classified taxonomically? It is important to mention that oca and goose are two common names to refer to the same species Therefore, in this article we will not mention the differences between goose and goose, but we will focus on the distinctive features that exist between the duck, the swan and the goose or goose.
All these birds belong to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae. The differences lie both in the subfamilies in which they are included, and in the genus and species:
Goose or goose
The goose belongs to the subfamily Anserinae and the genus Anser, with eight species and several subspecies. One of the best known is the common goose or common goose (Anser anser). However, there is also another genus with species known as geese, such is the case of Cereopsis, which includes the Ashy Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae).
Swan
This group corresponds to the subfamily Anserinae and the genus Cygnus, in which there are six species and some subspecies. The best known is the white swan (Cygnus olor).
Duck
Ducks are generally divided into three groups: typical ducks, whistlers and grebes The former are located in the subfamily Anatinae, where we find the largest number of genres; some of the best known species are: mandarin duck (Aix galericulata), domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), Creole duck (Cairina moschata), spectacled duck (Speculanas specularis) and purple, black or brown duck (Netta erythrophthalma).
The second correspond to the subfamily Dendrocygninae, some species are the black-billed whistling duck (Dendrocygna arborea), pisingo duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and the Indian whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica). The third and last ones belong to the subfamily Oxyurinae, such as the musk duck (Biziura lobata), rinconero duck (Heteronetta atricapilla) and the masked duck (Nomonyx dominicus).
Do you want to know more species of ducks? Don't miss the article on Types of ducks and find out how many there are.
Physical differences between duck, goose and swan
Anatidae birds, which are geese, swans and ducks among others, share as a common feature living associated with bodies of water, however, each group has anatomical features that differentiate them. To distinguish a goose, swan or duck, the main thing we can consider is size, with swans being the largestIn second place, we find the geese and in last place the ducks. Another practically infallible feature is the neck, in this sense from greater to lesser length, we have first the swan, then the goose and finally the duck.
Let's get to know these distinguishing features:
Physical characteristics of the goose or goose
Geese are generally large migratory waterfowl, the largest and most robust being the common goose, which can weigh about 4.5 kg and measure up to 180 cm, including wingspan. The coloration varies according to the species, thus we find white, gray, brown and even mixed colors.
Their beaks are large, usually orange, as are the legs. Although there are certain exceptions, these last extremities are adapted for swimming.
Among the three species of birds that we compare in this article, we can say that the goose has a neck of intermediate size, large if we compare it with the duck, but smaller than that of the swan. In addition, they are birds with an energetic flight.
Physical characteristics of the swan
The most distinctive feature of swans is their long neck Most of the species are white, but there is also one black and one of white body, but with black neck and head These birds are characterized by being quite large, depending on the species their weight can vary from about 6 kg to 15 kg All swans have lengths that exceed one meter; an adult swan can reach a dimension with a wingspan of up to 3 m
Generally there is no sexual dimorphism, but eventually the male is slightly larger than the female. The bills are robust, orange, black or combined, depending on the species. The legs are joined by a membrane that allows them to swim.
Duck Physical Characteristics
Ducks exhibit the greatest variety of colorations in plumageWe can find species of one or two shades, but there are also many with combinations of various colors. They are distinguished from geese and swans because they are smallest of the three, with shortest wings and necks, with generally robust bodies. There are species with marked sexual dimorphism.
They do not usually exceed 6 kg in weight and 80 cm in length. They are birds adapted to swim and move long distances. Also, their beaks are flattened.
Habitat of the goose, swan and duck
These birds have a wide worldwide distribution, on the one hand due to their migratory habits, and on the other, because several species have been domesticated and maintain a close relationship with people.
The geese inhabit almost all of Europe, much of of Asia, north America and north Africa For their part, the swans spread over several regions of America, Europe, Asia and Australia As for the ducks, they are spread over all continentsexcept poles.
It is important to bear in mind that in regions where these birds are not originally native, it is currently possible to find them, since they have been introduced anthropically.
Get all the details about migratory birds and their characteristics in this other article: "Migratory Birds".
Behavior of the goose, swan and duck
In their customs and behavioral traits we can also find notable differences between ducks, geese or geese and swans. Let's see them:
Behavior of the goose or goose
Geese are gregarious birds, in which the peculiar 'v' shape is distinguished when they fly in groups They are generally animals very territorial, capable of defending their space quite aggressively, for which they emit particularly loud sounds. In the cases of domesticated individuals, they can behave in a more sociable way. Geese make a type of sound known as a squawk
Swan behavior
In swans we can find dissimilar behaviors as in the case of the black swan, a bird sociable and non-migratory, while the white swan, on the other hand, is quite territorial and can live in pairs or form large colonies. It can also live with other birds that it tolerates nearby. Depending on the species, some swans may be more vocal than others, but in general they express a variety of sounds heard as whistles, snorts or species of grunts
Duck Behavior
As for ducks, they can present different types of behavior according to the species. Some tend to live in pairs, while others in small groups. Several species can be shy and territorial, while others allow a certain approach, for example by people, to the point of living in ponds or artificial bodies of water. Ducks make short, snapping sounds, heard as a nasal-like “quack.”
Duck, goose and swan reproduction
The forms of reproduction among geese, swans and ducks vary according to the group. To understand them, let's know how they reproduce:
Reproduction of the goose or goose
The geese form pairs for life and spend most of the year together, only supplanting her in case she dies. The common goose, for example, is used to forming nests on the ground near the bodies of water where it inhabits and although they form clutches in groups, they establish a certain distance from one of other. Lays about 6 eggs, white and almost elliptical, only once a year and although the male remains nearby, they are incubated only by the female.
Swan Play
Swans also form pairs for life and build the largest nestsof the group, which can measure up to about 2 meters in floating formations or near water. They can nest in small or large groups, close to each other. Although it is usually the female who incubates, the male may eventually replace her. Both the number and the color of the eggs can vary from one species to another, in some cases they lay one or two and even up to 10 eggs Colors range from greenish, cream or white
Duck Playing
Ducks have different reproductive forms depending on the species. Some nest near bodies of water, while others can do so in retreats or even in nests built in trees. Some lay up to 20 eggs, which will sometimes be cared for by the mother or by both. In terms of coloration, it also varies, becoming cream, white, gray and even greenish
Duck, swan and goose or goose feeding
The goose is a herbivorous animal, which grazes, being able to consume plants, roots and shoots, both in and out of the water. For more information on this type of feeding, do not miss this other article on herbivorous animals.
For their part, swans consume aquatic plants and algae, but also some small animals such as frogs and insects.
Finally, ducks feed mainly on plants, fruits and seeds, although it can include insects, larvae and crustaceans . In the article on What do ducks eat you will find all the details of their diet.
