Birds of the high seas
The article describes pelagic birds, which spend most of their lives over oceans, highlighting their unique adaptations like salt glands and specialized vision for survival in saline environments. It also notes their long lifespans, impressive migratory feats such as the Arctic Tern's journey, and the significant threat they face from plastic pollution.
Why it matters
This piece educates readers about the remarkable biology and ecological challenges faced by seabirds, raising awareness about marine biodiversity and the critical impact of human activities like plastic pollution on these species.
D o you know that there are birds that spend almost all their lives flying over the vast seas? Known as pelagic birds, they enjoy the largest habitat — the ocean — that provides plenty of food but little space for breeding. So they nest on islands or rocky cliffs.
The seawater, as well as the fish they eat, is highly saline. So how do the gulls, terns, petrels, albatrosses, puffins circumvent this problem? Salt glands connected to their nostrils help them get rid of the excess salt. Those birds that do not have salt-exuding glands manage to excrete the salt in their urea-rich faeces.
Sea birds that spend days together in the air carry out all their functions — feeding and sleeping — on the wing. They sleep with half their brain awake or catch short power naps.
A brown-headed gull | Photo Credit: Prince Frederick
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