Seabirds are a diverse group of birds adapted to life in marine environments and share several common characteristics such as the ability to fly long distances, the ability to swim and dive. Their streamlined bodies, webbed feet and water-resistant plumage are some of the key adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in some of the most extreme habitats on the planet. These adaptations are not only a result of their aquatic lifestyle, but also the need to withstand extreme ocean conditions such as low temperatures and scarcity of fresh water.
Albatrosses, penguins, seagulls, pelicans and shearwaters are just some of the most representative examples of seabirds, but not the only ones! Stay and continue reading this ExpertAnimal article, where we will tell you everything about seabirds , don’t miss it!
You may also be interested in: Types of birds – Characteristics, names and examples
Index
- Albatross (family Diomedeidae)
- Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
- Gulls (genus Larus)
- Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
- Pelican (genus Pelecanus)
- Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)
- Cormorant (genus Phalacrocorax)
- Common Razorbill (Uria aalge)
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Albatross (family Diomedeidae)
Albatrosses, belonging to the family Diomedeidae , are iconic seabirds known for their impressive wingspan, which in some species, such as the wandering albatross ( Diomedea exulans ), can exceed 3.5 metres, making them the birds with the longest wings in the world . These long, narrow wings are perfectly adapted for gliding flight, allowing albatrosses to travel thousands of kilometres over the ocean without flapping their wings, taking advantage of offshore wind currents.
Albatrosses spend most of their lives in the air, flying over the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere , from the cold Antarctic waters to the subtropics. They are pelagic birds, meaning they rarely come close to land except during the breeding season. On land, they nest on remote islands, forming colonies on cliffs or open ground, where they lay a single egg per season, which is incubated and cared for by both parents. Their diet consists mainly of squid, fish and krill, which they catch at the water’s surface or by shallow diving.
Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
The emperor penguin is the largest and one of the most iconic penguin species, known for its extreme adaptation to the harsh conditions of Antarctica, but all types of penguin are seabirds. Adults can reach up to 1.2 metres in height and weigh between 20 and 40 kilograms. Their distinctive plumage, with a black back, white chest and splashes of yellow on the head and neck, provides excellent thermal protection and camouflage in their icy environment.
The emperor penguin is distinguished by its unique reproductive cycle , which takes place during the Antarctic winter, a time when temperatures can drop below -50°C and winds reach extreme speeds. Males take on the responsibility of incubating the pair’s single egg, keeping it warm on their feet and covering it with a special fold of abdominal skin called a “brood pouch” or “brood patch.” During the approximately 65 days of incubation, males fast and endure extreme cold while females venture out to sea to feed. Discover all the details here: ” Emperor Penguin Incubation .”
These penguins are expert swimmers and can dive to depths of over 500 metres in search of their prey, which includes fish, squid and krill. Their ability to dive so deep is due to their adapted circulatory system and their ability to reduce their heart rate, which allows them to conserve oxygen during prolonged dives.
Gulls (genus Larus)
Charadriiformes is the order of the genus Larus , a group of seabirds to which the gull belongs. Gulls are versatile and highly adaptable , and are found in almost all coastal regions of the world, as well as many inland habitats. With predominantly white plumage with grey or black wings and backs, gulls are easily recognisable. They have a strong, slightly curved bill and webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers . They vary in size depending on the species, but are generally medium to large birds.
One of the most notable characteristics of gulls is their opportunistic feeding behavior . These birds feed on a wide variety of sources, from fish and shellfish to human food scraps and small terrestrial animals. Their ability to adapt to different food sources has allowed them to thrive in widely varying environments, including urban areas where they are often seen foraging for food in landfills and on beaches.
Gulls are social birds that often form large colonies , especially during the breeding season. They build their nests, which they defend aggressively, on cliffs, dunes and rooftops, using a mixture of vegetation, feathers and debris. Don’t miss this post and learn about ” Types of seagulls “.
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
The auklet Fratercula arctica is a small, charismatic seabird belonging to the auk group, within the family Alcidae . It is easily recognizable by its colorful triangular bill, which takes on bright shades of orange, yellow and blue during the breeding season. Its plumage is black above and white below, with a white face and eyes surrounded by a dark ring, giving it a distinctive and striking appearance.
These social seabirds inhabit the cold waters of the North Atlantic , from the east coast of North America to Europe. They are expert divers , using their wings to “fly” underwater in search of small fish, which make up the majority of their diet. During the breeding season, puffins form large colonies on rocky cliffs and islands, where they dig burrows or use rock crevices to lay a single egg.
Pelican (genus Pelecanus)
The pelican, belonging to the genus Pelecanus , is one of the largest and most distinctive seabirds , recognized primarily by its long bill and wide throat pouch, which it uses to catch fish. They have mostly white or gray plumage, with some species displaying darker patterns on their wings. Their large size and long wings, which can reach up to 3 meters in span in some species, allow them to perform powerful and elegant flights.
These birds are expert fishers and often hunt in groups, coordinating to corral fish into shallow water. Once they spot their prey, they dive quickly and use their gular pouch to catch water and fish, then filter the water and swallow the food. Pelicans inhabit coastlines, lakes, and estuaries around the world, preferring areas near fresh or salt water where they can find abundant food. They are social birds that nest in large colonies, often on islands or remote areas to avoid predators.
Learn about the different species here: ” Types of pelicans “.
Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)
The Arctic tern is a species of seabird known for making the longest migration of any animal species, travelling from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to Antarctica and back again each year, covering over 70,000 kilometres (43,000 mi). This small bird has white and grey plumage, with a distinctive black hood on its head and a red beak and legs during the breeding season. It is an agile hunter, capturing small fish and crustaceans that it finds near the surface of the water. During hunting, it is often seen making quick, precise dives.
It inhabits coastal areas during the breeding season, where it forms dense colonies on remote islands and coasts. Despite its small size, the Arctic Tern is highly territorial and aggressively protects its nest. It is a species with a long lifespan, with some birds living for over 30 years.
Cormorant (genus Phalacrocorax)
The cormorant, of the genus Phalacrocorax , is a seabird known for its ability to dive and catch fish . With dark plumage, a streamlined body, and a sharp beak, it is perfectly adapted for aquatic life. Its webbed feet allow it to swim with agility, while its partially permeable plumage reduces buoyancy, facilitating diving.
After diving, it is often seen drying itself with its wings spread out in the sun. Cormorants inhabit a variety of environments, from sea coasts to rivers and lakes, and usually nest in colonies.
Common Razorbill (Uria aalge)
The auk is a seabird found primarily on the coasts of the North Atlantic and the Arctic . With its plumage white on the belly and black on top, together with a slender, straight bill, the auk is easily recognisable and well adapted to its marine environment.
It is an expert diver , able to reach great depths in search of fish and other marine foods. It uses its wings as flippers to dive, allowing it to move efficiently underwater. During the breeding season, it nests in dense colonies on cliffs and coastal rocks, where both parents care for a single egg in the nest.
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)
The royal tern is an elegant seabird found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions . It is known for its distinctive black crest on its head and white plumage with black wings. Its bill is long and slender, adapted for capturing fish and other small marine organisms. It is a diurnal hunter that feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans. It makes rapid, precise flights to capture its prey, and is often observed in groups performing aerial acrobatics while searching for food.
These seabirds nest in colonies on islands or coastal areas, where they build nests on the ground. They are social and aggressively defend their nesting territories.
Giant petrel (genus Macronectes)
The genus Macronectes includes several species of giant petrels, which are among the largest and most robust seabirds , known for their imposing size and scavenging behaviour. With a wingspan of up to 3 metres, these petrels have plumage that varies from white to dark grey and black, depending on the species.
They are expert seabirds at gliding flight and spend most of their lives at sea , feeding mainly on carrion and fish remains left by other species. Their large size and strength allow them to compete with other seabirds for food. During the breeding season, giant petrels nest on remote islands and on coastal cliffs, where they form colonies.
Blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii)
The blue-footed booby is a species of seabird characterized by its vibrant blue feet, which are a distinctive feature used in courtship and mate selection. This booby has white plumage with dark brown or black wings and back, and a long, straight bill.
It lives on islands in the eastern Pacific , such as the Galapagos, where it is found on rocky coasts and in mangrove areas. It is an efficient diver and uses its wings to swim underwater and catch fish, which it often catches in groups. During the breeding season, it performs complex courtship rituals and nests in colonies in accessible places such as cliffs and beaches.
Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
Calonectris diomedea, commonly known as the Cory’s shearwater, is a seabird found mainly in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic . It has plumage that is white on the belly and grey above, with a duller and less contrasted appearance compared to other shearwaters. Its bill is long and narrow, adapted to feeding on fish and squid.
They are migratory seabirds that spend much of the year in the open sea, making long flights and taking advantage of air currents to move efficiently. They feed on fish and squid, which they catch while flying over the water or making short dives. During the breeding season, they nest in colonies on islands and coastal cliffs, where they build nests in burrows or crevices.
You already know the main types of seabirds and we encourage you to continue expanding your knowledge about these wonderful animals. To do so, don’t miss these articles: