There are three species in this family of birds. They are found in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
They live in marshes and swamps and have long necks, long bills, and long tails. They have long, duck-like bodies that are 12 to 18 inches in length.
They are named for their slightly webbed feet, which have puffy, lobed toes similar to those of coots and grebes.
They are good swimmers and divers and eat plants and fish. Although they are good divers, they usually forage for food on the surface of the water or the shore.
The birds in this family are very secretive and rarely seen.
Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist
Status taken from NH Fish and Game
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