Marine BirdsMarine Birds

All Seabirds are Endotherms (warm-blooded). They have light hollow bones, and make up 3% of

all birds. Can be found from pole to pole.

• The major groups of Seabirds include:• Penguins• Tubenoses• Pelicans• Gulls• Shorebirds

Penguins:

• 17 species found in southern hemisphere• Spends 75% of lifetime in water

Penguin Adaptations:

• Heavy, solid bones for diving• Watertight feathers (up to 70 per sq. in.) • Blubber for insulation• Oil gland for coating feathers• Black & white counter shading• Deep divers

- 500 m, 15 min.• Paddle-like feet• Streamline, fusiform body

- 15 mph• Social

Nesting

Nests on pack ice

Tubenoses

• Have tube-like nostrils at the end of their beaks

• Spend months at sea feeding on fish

• Include Albatross and other long range fliers.

Salt Excretion in Birds

Pelicans

• Have pouch like beaks

• Related to Cormorants and Frigate birds

Gulls and their relatives

• Mostly predators and scavengers

• Hang out at dumps

• Related to Puffins

Shorebirds

• Lack webbing in their feet

• Don’t swim much

• Pick through mud or sand

• Include sandpipers, herons, egrets