What Are Seabirds?
What Are Seabirds?
Shorebirds are a division of birds that includes sandpipers, plovers, curlews, and related birds. As a rule these birds are not considered seabirds, because they feed and roost on the shore, and only wade into the water-usually bays or inland shores, not the ocean. However, two small species, called phalaropes, nest on the Arctic tundra but spend the rest of the year at sea at lower latitudes.
Most ducks are freshwater birds. Many feed in brackish estuaries where rivers enter the sea. Nevertheless, many species will migrate over the ocean and rest on the sea, most quite near shore. Certain ducks feed on mollusks and are found regularly in nearshore waters-especially near rocky shores or headlands. These include the scoters, harlequin ducks, and long-tailed ducks.
There is actually no species called a “sea gull.” Gulls occur coastally, but many species live in inland locations. Some gulls nest in the Arctic or inland lakes and winter along the coast. Most gulls need to drink fresh water regularly, so are rarely found more than 20 miles offshore. Kittiwakes and Sabine’s gulls are species that spend most of the year at sea.
Terns are closely related to gulls and occupy the same habitats. Many dive from the air into the nearshore waters for fish. Some terns spend most of their lives far at sea. These include Arctic terns, and sooty and bridled terns.
Also related to gulls are a group of seabirds called jaegers that breed on the Arctic tundra but spend the rest of the year far at sea. Skuas are similar, breeding in either Arctic or Antarctic lands. These birds are klepto-parasitic, stealing other seabird’s food.
Cormorants, pelicans, gannets, and allies live primarily along coastlines. Several members, including frigate birds and tropic birds are found far to sea.
Loons and grebes are primarily fresh water divers. Many spend the non-breeding season along the coast, either in near shore ocean waters or bays and estuaries.
Found only in the southern hemisphere, flightless penguins seem more at home in the ocean than on land.
Auks, murres, and puffins are a northern hemisphere group of seabirds that nest on sea cliffs or offshore rocks. They feed exclusively in the ocean, eating fish or krill.
Albatrosses, shearwaters, and petrels spend most of their lives at sea, far from land. They are able to drink sea water. They rest and sleep on the ocean as well as obtain all their food from the sea. They return to land only to nest, usually in colonies on isolated islands away from any predators. These seabirds are often called pelagic birds.
Bird watchers wanting to view seabirds, especially pelagic seabirds, will need to attend special ‘pelagic trips’ to get offshore where these birds spend most of the year.…
Kerala Backwaters are all about serenity and nature. Amidst the beautiful land of Kerala lies this enchanting water stretch running through the splendid landscapes and countryside of the state displaying the culture and rhythm with which its people have been living for a long time. The harmony flowing through this place is surely contagious and it takes hold of every beholder and drift them to space that is untouched by the ruffles of life.
Forming and dying waves in the pleasantly blowing winds swirling the huge palm trees decorated on the loosely flowing flickering sand. This is needless to say that it is a description about a beach; where people in colorful clothes get teasing and chirpy due the aura of the dynamic environment. If you really want to be part of this vigor then splurge in vivacious Goa tours. Traveling this place is more than just exploration but getting the lost zeal and wildness which have been rare asset for many.
The Indian subcontinent is a land of baffling paradoxes and intriguing charm that keeps alive the surprise factor of the tourists till the last lap. No matter whether you wish to indulge in desert safaris or the Pushkar mela of Rajasthan tour or soak up the grandeur of the temples down south in South India Tours, the bottom-line reads that the richness and diversity of India is so vast that it requires more than a life time to fully explore and experience it!
Some school sports tours head to South Africa to savour the delights of that country’s sporting heritage, and may also offer the chance to visit the wonderful city of Cape Town.
Tour Southern California in style and luxury in a Temecula limo. Whether you are taking a winery tour or planning a night on the town, Temecula limousines are a great way to relax and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Chiang Mai often plays host to hundreds and thousands of tourists from all over the world. This mountainous city of Northern Thailand is an ideal spot for vacationing because of its luscious views, cool weather, and friendly townsmen. It is often referred to as the Rose of the North, and it continues to attract more and more visitors from different places. Because of its inviting weather and the numerous things to do and places to see, vacationers tend to stay longer than they planned. Facilities are very affordable, and the sports activities, tours, and trekking offers are all exciting and fun.