Many, like curlews and redshanks, have long legs for wading in shallow water. Some, like oystercatchers, have long, thin beaks for probing into mud and sand for food. Waterfowl, such as ducks, geese and swans, have webbed feet and long, agile necks for reaching down into the water. Herons , storks and flamingoes are tall wading birds with long beaks and necks. Kingfishers perch over water and make flashing dives for fish, which they toss in the air and swallow headfirst.
Swans are the largest waterfowl.
They have long necks and feed on water plants and animals. Pelicans have a huge soft pouch beneath their beaks, which they use to scoop fish. Mallards are dabbling ducks, which means they up-end in the water to feed. Geese often graze on grass, and fly in V-formation, filling the air with their noisy honking. Tropical birds Toucans of the South American forests use their big gaudy beaks to push through thick foliage to get at fruit and insects.