List of Anseriformes by population

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This article provides a concise overview of Anseriformes species ranked by their global population. It explains how population figures are reported and notes where taxonomy differs among major authorities.

Anseriformes are the ducks, geese, swans, and screamers. The IOC World Bird List version 15.1 (2025) recognizes 178 species in this group, six of which are extinct. BirdLife International had assessed 176 species by December 2025 (with some exceptions), and about 168 of those species have estimated total or breeding populations.

Population counts come from a variety of methods. In North America, agencies use planes or helicopters to count breeding birds along transects and then extrapolate to larger ranges. Methods are continually refined, and forecasts rely on habitat trends and input from local experts.

Notable statuses: The pink-headed duck and crested shelduck are listed as Critically Endangered and may already be extinct. The pink-headed duck was last reliably seen around 1948–49, though some reports suggest later sightings; the crested shelduck’s last confirmed report was in 1964, with other disputed reports since.

Taxonomy notes: To be Critically Endangered, a species must have declined by 80% in ten years or three generations, or be projected to. Some species in this list are very close to minimum viable populations. The IOC and IUCN sometimes disagree on names and splits; for example, the Taiga bean goose and Tundra bean goose are treated as separate species by IOC but not recognized as separate by IUCN. The Mexican duck is currently treated as a subspecies of the mottled duck by IUCN/BirdLife. The Stejneger’s scoter in Europe has an estimated population of about 1,600–1,800 mature birds and is Near Threatened. The Australian wood duck has an estimated total population around 264,600.