In reality, the taxonomy of the Anseriformes is quite complex. Different ornithologists often disagree over the "correct" way to classify any bird. This taxonomy is one way to classify the Anseriformes, but The Sibley's Guide to Bird Life and Behavior published in 2001 differs from the taxonomy that I have presented here by lumping swans and geese into one tribe and splitting Aythya ducks from the rest of the diving ducks into their own tribe. I am not sure if I will eventually make these changes to this website or not because of the state of flux that this taxonomy is in.

The taxonomy of Michigan Waterfowl:

Order Gaviiformes: Loons

Family Gaviidae

Genus Gavia

Order Podicipediformes: Grebes

Family Podicipedidae

Genus Podiceps

Genus Podilymbus

Order Pelecaniformes: Pelecans, Cormorants, etc...

Family Phalacrocoracidae: Cormorants

Genus Phalacrocorax

Order Anseriformes: Screamers, Swans, Geese, Ducks

Family Anatidae: Swans, Geese, Ducks

Subfamily Anserinae: Swans and Geese

Tribe Cygnini: Swans

Genus Cygnus

Tribe Anserini: Geese

Genus Chen

Genus Anser

Genus Branta

Subfamily Anatinae: Ducks

Tribe Anatina: Dabbling Ducks

Genus Anas

Genus Aix

Tribe Aythyini: Diving Ducks

Genus Aythya

Genus Melanitta

Genus Histrionicus

Genus Clangula

Genus Bucephala

Genus Mergus

Genus Lophodytes

Tribe Oxyurini: Stiff-tailed Ducks

Genus Oxyura

Order Gruiformes: Cranes, Rails, etc...

Family Rallidae: Rails, Moorhens, and Coots

Genus Rallus

Genus Porzana

Genus Coturnicops

Genus Gallinula

Genus Fulica

About This Website Loons Grebes Cormorants Swans, Geese and Ducks Rails, Moorhens and Coots

References:

Beaver, Donald L. The Structure, Characteristics and Diversity of Birds: A Laboratory Workbook for Ornithology Michigan State University

Bull, John ; Farrand, John Jr. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds. Eastern Region, Revised. New York: Knopf, 1994, 1997

Collins, Henry Hill Jr. What Bird Is This? The Birdwatchers Quiz Book. Dover Edition. New York: Dover, 1961, 1965

Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Third Edition. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 1983, 1987, 1999

Gillette, John Coat Pocket Bird Book Lansing: TwoPeninsula, 1984

Robbins, Chandler S.; Bruun, Bertel; Zim, Herbert S. Birds of North America. Revised. New York: Golden, 1966, 1983