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

2. 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.

3. 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”

4. Great Cormorant Near-Shore Bird
Outer Wing
Inner Wing

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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