Marine Birds Phylum Chordata SubPhylum Vertebrata- “true bones” Class Aves

General Characteristics Nearly 9,000 species Found in ALL shorelines and oceans Depend on ocean for food Homeotherms-warm-blooded Light, hollow bones All have waterproof feathers that attach to skin, help conserve body heat Waterproofing is provided by oil produced by gland above base of tail. Preening distributes oil.

Feathers and Wings Wings are modified forelimbs that have the same bones as human arms Two types of feathers 1. down—serve as insulation, next to body 2. contour—provide shape and smooth outer surface; wing feathers (flight feathers) and tail feathers are both types of contour feathers Two types of wings 1. inner—generates lift, covered by secondary flight feathers or “secondaries”, airfoil design 2. outer—provides propulsion, covered by primary flight feathers or “primaries”

Great Cormorant Near-Shore Bird Outer Wing Inner Wing

General Anatomical Characteristics Wing shape and size determines flight A bird’s bill consists of a horny sheath covering the bony components of the upper and lower jaw Webbed feet but leg length varies

Reproduction and Nesting Seabirds nest on land, vulnerable to predators Most breed in large colonies Many mate for life, and sometimes both the female and male care for the young White pelican Gentoo penguin

Shore Birds “Waders and Pickers” live and forage on the beach and estuary; feed on fish, worms, clams, and crustaceans Bill length and shape indicates feeding strategy Egret Ibis Oyster-catcher Great Blue Heron Sanderling Plover

Near-Shore Birds Typically visible from shore, coastal seas, frequent land to rest and nest Gull Brown Pelican Black Skimmer Cormorant

Oceanic Birds Far offshore over the continental shelf, open sea, or oceanic islands Stay at sea for extended periods of time…months! Frigatebird Puffin Northern Gannet Penguin Flightless Royal Albatross