The fifth edition of this established handbook incorporates many new insights into refined methods of care, breeding, and hygiene, as well as information on breeding biology, behaviors, and molting cycles. Current data on wild populations, causes of declines, and conservation regulations provide information about the distribution and status of individual species. Furthermore, the morphology, distribution, biology, as well as care and breeding of a total of 160 species (and subspecies) from the families of split-footed geese, whistling ducks, dabbling ducks, swans, geese, spur-winged geese, half-geese, and ducks are described. The excellent color photographs eliminate the need for lengthy plumage descriptions. Some species are illustrated for the first time. The book presents all species currently living in the world.