Only about 3% of known bird species qualify as seabirds with most of those living in the southern hemisphere.

Pelican   © Sophia Volzke

Just like marine reptiles, seabirds have special salt-excreting glands in their heads to eliminate the excess salt taken with their food.

Marine birds are voracious feeders and are often found wherever the ocean teems with life.

True seabirds generally avoid land unless they are breeding. They obtain virtually all their food from the sea and seek isolated areas for reproduction.

Seabirds may be divided into four groups:

  • Tubenoses (Albatrosses, Petrels)
  • Pelicans and their relatives
  • Gulls
  • Penguins

« »