Seabirds: Meet the Ocean's Most Iconic Species

Introduction

Seabirds are some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures. They're born on land but spend most of their lives at sea, traveling thousands of miles with unmatched navigation skills.

These winged species are extraordinary navigators and are capable of crossing thousands of miles without sight of land. When it comes to survival, seabirds are equally impressive hunters that can even live without freshwater.

If this sounds like an incredible adventure, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll explore the most iconic seabird species, their unique adaptations, breeding behaviors, and why they are vital indicators of ocean health.

What Makes a Bird a Seabird?

There's a common misconception that any bird soaring near the coast is a seabird. But that's not the case. Typically, a seabird refers to a bird that relies on the ocean for feeding and survival. It uses marine resources as its primary food source and is even adapted to drinking saltwater. Albatrosses, puffins, gulls, and petrels are classic examples of species that meet this definition.

To survive such a demanding lifestyle, seabirds possess unique traits that ordinary land or freshwater birds lack. For example, specialized salt glands above their eyes filter excess salt from their blood, which helps seabirds survive the harsh marine environment.

The majority of them also have webbed feet and waterproof plumage, which enhances their swimming ability and keeps them insulated. Some species, such as albatrosses and storm petrels, also have a powerful sense of smell. This helps them detect chemicals like dimethyl sulfide, released by phytoplankton, signaling rich feeding zones.

Salt gland and webbed feet — key adaptations that help seabirds thrive at sea.
Webbed feet Photo by Sofia on Unsplash

Seven Famous Types of Seabirds

Interestingly, seabirds don't belong to a single order or family. In fact, they belong to diverse classes, ranging from Procellariiformes to Charadriiformes.  Here are some of the most common seabirds that are found across the USA:

1. Gulls (Ocean Opportunists)

Gulls (family Laridae), commonly called "seagulls," are the only birds widely known by this nickname. They come in various types, with some of the most common including the Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, and Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Physically, most gulls are medium-to-large birds with long wings, sturdy bodies, and webbed feet. Their plumage is a mix of white, gray, and black, and many species have distinctive markings on their heads or wings. This makes them stand out as one of the most beautiful birds found along coastlines.

2. Terns (World Travelers)

Terns (family Laridae) are the sleeker cousins of gulls, famous for precision hunting. Their long, pointed wings and forked tails give them a distinct, agile flight. These birds are commonly found over open oceans, where their hovering and sharp calls make them a striking presence.

With sharp, narrow bills, they hover and then plunge into the sea to catch fish just below the surface. Among them, the Arctic Tern stands out as a legend due to its lengthy migration. It travels nearly 70,000 kilometers each year in its migration between the Arctic and Antarctica.

3. Skuas (Seabird Pirates)

Skuas (family Stercorariidae) are powerful seabirds, often described as the pirates of the ocean. Their strong wings and hooked bills are ideal for long flights and hunting. In North America, the smaller species are referred to as Jaegers.

Known for their aggressiveness, skuas frequently prey on the eggs and chicks of other seabirds. They harass other birds until they drop their catch, which the skuas steal. This cunning feeding strategy, called kleptoparasitism, is a hallmark of their survival.

4. Albatrosses (Giants of the Sky)

Albatrosses (family Diomedeidae) are among the most recognizable seabirds due to their large wingspan that can stretch up to 3.5 meters. They belong to the family Diomedeidae and include over 20 known species, such as the Great Albatross, North Pacific Albatross, and Sooty Albatross.

Beyond their size, albatrosses are known for their flying efficiency. By using techniques such as dynamic and slope soaring, they harness wind currents to travel long distances without expending much energy. This allows them to remain airborne for days without flapping their wings even once.

Photo by Nareeta Martin on Unsplash

5. Petrels (Tube-Nosed Navigators)

Petrels (family Procellariidae) are a part of the larger "tube-nose" order Procellariiformes, which also includes shearwaters and albatrosses. With more than 70 recognized species, petrels are mainly found across the Southern Ocean.

Some of the most commonly found species include the Diving Petrel, Storm Petrel, and White-Chinned Petrel. These birds are well known for their specialized nasal tubes. These tubes help them excrete excess salt and enhance their sense of smell.

6. Pelicans (The Expert Fishers)

Pelicans (Pelecanus) include eight living species found on every continent except Antarctica. They are instantly recognizable by their long bills and large throat pouches, which expand to scoop up fish along with gallons of water. Once the prey is caught, they drain the excess water before swallowing their meal.

Although heavy-bodied, pelicans are powerful fliers, aided by air sacs beneath their skin. They are also known for their cooperative feeding behavior. Large groups of pelicans work together to herd fish into shallow waters, making them easier to capture.

Photo by Vishnudeep Dixit on Pexels

7. Tropicbirds (Elegant Gliders of the Tropics)

Tropicbirds (genus Phaethon) are among the most elegant seabirds, often seen gliding effortlessly over the oceans. They are mainly tropical and subtropical pelagic birds, but can occasionally be spotted around certain coastal waters and islands of the United States. Their stark white plumage, coral-red bills, and elongated tail feathers make them visually distinct from other seabirds. 

They consist of only three living species, namely Red-Billed, White-Tailed, and Red-Tailed Tropicbirds. Unlike most other seabirds that prefer staying in a colony, tropicbirds are found solitary or in pairs. During flight, these birds emit several loud, piercing calls that signal their presence.

What Do Seabirds Eat? Primary Diet

Seabirds' diet is shaped by the habitats they occupy and the prey available in different oceans. Most of them rely on small forage fish such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and herring. Others depend heavily on krill, squid, or the larvae of aquatic invertebrates. For example, in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, petrels and penguins primarily feed on Antarctic krill.

However, not all seabirds stick to fish and crustaceans. Gulls and skuas are opportunistic feeders that also scavenge discarded fish, marine mammal carcasses, and human waste.

Additionally, some predatory seabirds, like the Southern Giant Petrel, go a step further by hunting smaller seabirds and their chicks.

Photo by Patrícia Nicoloso on Pexels

Seabird Breeding and Nesting Habits

Most species breed in dense colonies on predator-free islands or steep cliffs, where the absence of mammals offers relative safety. They produce only a few offspring each year. Shearwaters may lay one egg, while gulls lay two to five eggs per year. Their breeding period usually consists of three stages:

1. Courtship Stage

During this stage, birds engage in territorial defense, mating dances, and select their nest sites. Mating displays vary based on the species. However, Albatrosses are well-known for their ritualized mating dances. They usually engage in sky pointing, clucking, and wing-spreading rituals to attract and pair with females.

Tropic birds also engage in back-pedalling as a courtship display. Moreover, several seabirds, such as gulls and terns, display courtship feeding. It serves as a means to strengthen their bond and provide extra nutrition to the female during egg laying.

Curious what an albatross’s courtship dance looks like? Check out this video below!

2. Copulation Stage

Once the pairs are formed, copulation and nesting follow. Most pairs take turns incubating the egg. The brood patch on the bird's body maintains the right temperature for incubation.

Nesting preferences also vary widely. Some seabirds create simple scrapes in the sand, others select rocky ledges, while burrow-nesting species dig tunnels into the soil or peat.

Photo by Bitnik Gao on Pexels

3. Chick-Rearing Stage

This stage includes brooding, feeding, defending, and even teaching survival skills to the chicks. Seabirds are unique in having some of the longest chick-rearing periods among birds.

For example, great albatrosses devote more than nine months to raising their young. The extended care ensures chicks are well-prepared for the challenges of independent life in the ocean.

Protecting the Legacy of Seabirds

Watching seabirds along the shore is one of nature's most captivating experiences. Sadly, many species are now endangered, largely due to pollution, especially plastic waste. Research predicts that by 2050, 99% of all seabirds will have ingested plastic debris.

This alarming trend calls for urgent conservation action. Reducing marine waste, safeguarding breeding sites, and promoting sustainable fishing practices are essential. Installing bird feeders in safe, clean areas can also provide much-needed food and support for seabird populations.

Photo by Ilie Barna on Unsplash

Conclusion

Seabirds are extraordinary creatures, uniquely adapted to life at sea with specialized traits and impressive navigational skills. From soaring albatrosses to migratory terns, they play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Understanding their behavior and needs underscores the importance of protecting them. Conserving seabirds ensures healthy oceans and preserves these magnificent flyers for future generations.

If you’re fascinated by seabirds, check out Macaroni Penguins. Like other seabirds, they thrive in harsh marine environments, using unique adaptations to survive. 

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

FAQs About the Seabirds

What is the largest seabird?

The great albatrosses are the largest seabirds, with wingspans ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 meters. They belong to the family Diomedeidae and are commonly known as "Mollymawks" or "Gooneys." These seabirds spend most of their lives over the open ocean, returning to remote islands only to breed.

What are seabirds eaten by?

Seabirds face predators both on land and at sea. On nesting islands, eggs and chicks are often targeted by invasive species such as rats, cats, and pigs. In the open ocean, larger predators like sharks and seals may prey on adult seabirds. Even aerial hunters like skuas and gulls sometimes attack smaller species or steal their food.

Where do seabirds sleep?

Seabirds sleep in different ways depending on their species. Most rest on open surfaces like rocks, cliffs, or float on water. Nesting seabirds usually stay near their colonies to guard eggs or chicks. These flexible habits help them stay safe from predators and adapt to life at sea.

What are the different major types of seabirds?

Major groups of seabirds include albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, and storm-petrels (collectively called tubenoses), as well as gulls, terns, auks, and penguins. These groups differ in their feeding habits and how much time they spend at sea, but all are adapted to marine life.

What is the most common seabird in the world?

Wilson's Storm-Petrel is commonly regarded as one of the most abundant seabirds, if not one of the most abundant birds in the world, with a population reaching several million pairs.

What are the ancient seabirds?

The Pelagornithidae, commonly called pelagornithids, pseudodontorns, bony-toothed birds, false-toothed birds, or pseudotooth birds, are a prehistoric family of large seabirds. Their fossil remains have been found all over the world in rocks dating between the Early Paleocene and the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary.