Oxyurinae

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Oxyurinae

White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala)

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Anseriformes
Family:	Anatidae
Subfamily:	Oxyurinae

Genera

Oxyura
Nomonyx
Biziura
Heteronetta

Oxyurinae is a sub-family of the duck, goose and swan family of birds, Anatidae. Most of its members are stiff-tailed ducks, which have, as their name implies, long stiff tail feathers, which are erected when the bird is at rest. Most have relatively large swollen bills. The exception is the Black-headed Duck which looks more like a typical duck with a short tail and normal bill.

These are all freshwater diving ducks. Their legs are set far back, making them awkward on land, so they rarely leave the water.

Their unusual displays involve drumming noises from inflatable throat-sacs, head throwing, and erecting short crests. Most display singly, but Musk Ducks "lek" in groups.

[edit] Genera

In addition, the relationships of the Pink-eared Duck to this group deserve further research (Sraml et al. 1996).

[edit] References

Sraml, M.; Christidis, L.; Easteal, S.; Horn, P. & Collet, C. (1996): Molecular Relationships Within Australasian Waterfowl (Anseriformes). Australian Journal of Zoology 44(1): 47-58. doi:10.1071/ZO9960047 (HTML abstract)