Pelagic Birds : Sighted
Birdwatchers and enthusiasts of Gujarat have recently reported sightings of Pelagic birds in places not typically associated with their presence.
- Pelagic Birds are seabirds that live on open seas and oceans rather than inland or around more restricted waters such as lakes and rivers.
- They can be found thousands of miles offshore but can get blown onto land during high winds and storms.
- The only other time they come inland is to breed.
- The most familiar types of pelagic birds include albatrosses, frigatebirds, fulmars, petrels, shearwaters, and tropicbirds.
- They feed on planktonic crustaceans and squid and hunt fish far from the land.
- Generally, they have dense, waterproof feathers and layers of fat to keep them warm.
- They have exceptionally long and thin wings that allow them to fly effortlessly for long periods without rest.
- Many pelagic birds have special salt glands.
- This allows them to drink seawater and discard extra salt accidentally ingested by their oceanic prey.
- Some have webbed or partially webbed feet for swimming, plucking fish from the shallows, or executing precise, plunging dives.
- In general, seabirds live longer than other wild birds; most have an average lifespan of 50 years.
- Almost all seabirds live in colonies, migrate annually, and mate for life.
