12 Seabirds You Must Know

and that You Have Probably Seen

Some common seabird you can find depending on where you live | Wildlife Nomads

Another blog for the birdwatching people! But for those who are not so familiar, when you think of birds, you might picture songbirds in your backyard or raptors soaring over land. But there’s an entire world of feathered friendsliving where the sky meets the sea. Seabirds are some of nature’s most amazing creatures, spending their lives navigating the vast ocean expanses with incredible skill and grace (and who knows how they actually do it!). These ocean birds have evolved extraordinary adaptations that make them perfectly suited for life in one of Earth’s most challenging environments.

From the massive wandering albatross with its record-breaking wingspan to the comical puffin with its colorful beak, seabirds capture our imagination and play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the natural world, understanding these incredible birds at sea will deepen your appreciation for the complex web of life that connects our oceans and skies.

What Are Marine Birds?

Marine birds are among the most fascinating and diverse group of bird species on the planet, perfectly adapted to thrive in the challenging conditions of the marine environment like those in the arctic regions, or in remote places like Iceland. These seabird species can be found soaring above the open ocean, nesting on rugged cliffs, or gliding effortlessly over coastal waves. What sets marine birds apart are their unique adaptations: webbed feet that make them powerful swimmers, waterproof plumage that shields them from icy waters, and specialized feeding strategies that allow them to exploit a wide range of food sources in saltwater habitats.

12 Seabirds You Must Know

1. Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans)

The undisputed king of big sea birds, the wandering albatross holds the record for the largest wingspan of any living bird. A wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird, 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) tip to wing tip. These magnificent creatures can glide for hours without flapping their wings, using dynamic soaring to harness ocean winds. They're found primarily in the Southern Ocean and can live over 60 years, with some individuals tracked flying over 500,000 miles during their lifetime.

Wandering Albatross | Via Getty Images

2. Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Northern gannets are spectacular plunge divers, diving from heights of up to 100 feet at speeds reaching 60 mph. These large seabirds have forward-facing eyes for excellent depth perception and reinforced skulls to absorb the impact of their dramatic dives. They nest in massive colonies on coastal cliffs, with pairs performing elaborate courtship displays that include "sky pointing" and bill fencing.

Northern Gannet | Photo by Lawrence Cockrill

3. Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)

Perhaps the most recognizable of all seabirds, puffins are often called “sea parrots” due to their colorful beaks during breeding season. These compact oceanic birds are excellent swimmers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater while hunting for small fish. Puffins can carry multiple fish crosswise in their beaks thanks to backward-facing spines on their tongues and roof of their mouths.

Another notable member of the alcid family is the tufted puffin, recognized for its distinctive yellow tufts and similar seabird lifestyle.

Atlantic Puffin | Photo by Lorenzo Vietina

4. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Brown pelicans are the only pelican species that plunge dives for fish. These impressive birds were once endangered due to DDT poisoning but have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Their iconic pouch can hold up to 3 gallons of water, though they drain it before swallowing their catch. The saying "a pelican's beak can hold more than its belly can" is actually true – their stomach capacity is only about 1 gallon.

Brown Pelican | Via Getty Images

5. Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)

Arctic terns hold the record for the longest migration of any bird, traveling roughly 44,000 miles annually from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic feeding areas. These incredible birds at sea experience more daylight than any other creature on Earth, following summer from north to south and back again. Despite their small size, they're fierce defenders of their nests and will dive-bomb much larger predators.

Arctic Tern | Via Getty Images

6. Common Murre (Uria aalge)

Common murres are the “penguins of the north,” using their wings to fly both through air and water. These colonial seabirds nest on narrow cliff ledges, with their eggs having a distinctive pointed shape that causes them to roll in circles rather than off the cliff. A heat wave in Alaskan waters from 2014 to 2016 starved 4 million Common Murres—the largest documented wildlife mortality event in the modern era.

A close relative, the marbled murrelet, is notable for its unique inland nesting behavior in old growth forests, preferring large conifers rather than typical marine habitats.

Common Murre | Photo by Howard Senton

7. Great Skua (Stercorarius skua)

Great skuas are the pirates of the sea bird world, known for their aggressive behavior and kleptoparasitic lifestyle. These powerful birds often harass other seabirds until they regurgitate their catch, which the skuas then steal. Their hooked bills help them capture and tear prey, making them highly efficient predators. They’re also skilled hunters in their own right, capable of taking prey as large as rabbit-sized seabirds.

Great Skua | Photo by Neil Bowman

8. Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis)

Laysan albatrosses are remarkable for their longevity and site fidelity. The oldest known wild bird, a female named Wisdom, is a Laysan albatross estimated to be at least 72 years old and still breeding. These birds return to the same nesting colonies and often the same partners year after year, demonstrating incredible navigation abilities across thousands of miles of open ocean.

Laysan Albatross | Via Getty Images

9. Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)

While flightless, emperor penguins are undoubtedly among the most remarkable seabirds. These large seabirds can dive to depths of over 1,800 feet and hold their breath for more than 20 minutes while hunting for fish and squid. Males incubate eggs on their feet for 64 days during the Antarctic winter, surviving temperatures as low as -40°F without eating. You can check the article about all penguins species, or maybe some funny facts if penguins are you thing.

Emperor Penguin | Photo by Michel Viard

10. Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

Frigatebirds are the aerial acrobats of the seabird world, with the largest wing-surface-to-body-weight ratio of any bird. Males are famous for their bright red throat pouches, which they inflate like balloons during courtship displays. These birds are excellent thieves, using their superior flying skills to steal food from other seabirds in spectacular aerial chases. Common to find them in places like Galapagos in Ecuador, where they are one of the mian attractions.

Magnificent Frigatebird | Via Getty Images

11. Wilson's Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)

Wilson's storm petrels might be the most abundant seabird in the world, though they're rarely seen due to their small size and oceanic lifestyle. These tiny birds appear to "walk on water" as they feed, pattering across the surface while picking up small prey. They nest in burrows on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands.

Wilson's Storm Petrel | AGAMI Stock

12. Red-footed Booby (Sula sula)

Red-footed boobies are the smallest of the booby family but are exceptional fliers and divers. They're the only boobies that regularly nest in trees rather than on the ground, using their bright red feet to grip branches. These tropical seabirds can dive from heights of 30 feet and often feed at night, following schools of flying fish.

Red-footed Booby | Vua Getty Images

What Makes Seabirds Special: Incredible Adaptations for Ocean Life

Seabirds aren’t just regular birds that happen to live near water – they’re highly specialized creatures with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in marine environments. These oceanic birds are primarily found in marine environments, having evolved features that would make any sailor jealous.

Most seabirds possess webbed feet that work like natural paddles, helping them swim efficiently through ocean currents. Their dense, waterproof plumage acts like a wetsuit, keeping them warm and dry even in the coldest waters. Perhaps most impressive are their salt glands – specialized organs that filter excess salt from their bloodstream, allowing them to drink seawater without becoming dehydrated.

The bodies of these marine birds are typically streamlined for efficient flight and diving. Many species have wings designed for different flight styles: some are built for soaring great distances with minimal energy, while others are optimized for underwater “flying” as they pursue prey beneath the waves. Some seabirds, such as skuas and certain petrels, have hooked bills that help them capture and tear prey, making them efficient hunters. Their keen eyesight helps them spot fish from remarkable distances, and many species have evolved enhanced senses of smell to locate food sources across vast ocean expanses.

The Social Lives of Ocean Birds: Colonies and Communities

One of the most fascinating aspects of seabird behavior is their highly social nature. These birds sea creatures often form massive colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands. Remote islands and coastal cliffs become bustling cities during breeding season, with each species claiming its preferred nesting territory.

These colonies serve multiple purposes beyond just breeding. They provide protection through numbers, with many eyes watching for predators. Young seabirds learn essential survival skills by observing adults, and the social structure helps coordinate feeding and migration patterns. Some species, like arctic terns, undertake incredible migrations that span from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic feeding areas – a journey of over 44,000 miles annually.

The breeding behaviors of seabirds are equally remarkable. Many species form monogamous pairs that can last for decades, with elaborate courtship rituals that include synchronized dancing, gift-giving, and complex vocalizations. These long-term partnerships are crucial for successfully raising young in the challenging marine environment.

Seabird Habitats: From Rugged Cliffs to Open Oceans

Seabird habitats are as varied and dramatic as the birds themselves, stretching from windswept coastal cliffs and sandy beaches to the vast, unbroken expanse of the open ocean. Some seabird species, such as storm petrels and wandering albatrosses, spend most of their lives far from land, expertly navigating the open ocean in search of prey species like fish and squid. Others, including gulls and terns, are more commonly found in coastal areas, where they scavenge along shorelines or nest in densely packed colonies on cliffs and remote islands.

The northern hemisphere is home to iconic seabirds like the herring gull and northern fulmar, while the southern hemisphere boasts species such as the wandering albatross and sooty shearwater. Seabird colonies, often established on isolated islands, provide safe breeding grounds away from many land-based predators. However, these colonies are not without risks—human disturbance and invasive species can threaten the delicate balance of these nesting sites. Whether perched on a rocky outcrop or gliding over the ocean, seabirds are a testament to the adaptability and resilience of life in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

Red-footed Booby | Photo by Donaye Doman

Masters of the Hunt: How Seabirds Find Food in Vast Oceans

Seabirds have evolved diverse hunting strategies to exploit different ocean resources. Among them, gulls & terns are closely related groups within the Laridae family and are known as opportunistic feeders, often scavenging, stealing food from other birds, or diving for prey. Some are surface feeders, skimming the water’s surface and the ocean's surface for small fish and plankton. Others are pursuit divers, using their wings to “fly” underwater while chasing prey. The most spectacular are the plunge divers, like brown pelicans and gannets, which dive from heights of up to 100 feet to catch fish below the surface.

These feeding strategies are perfectly matched to their prey and ocean conditions. Storm petrels dance across wave tops, picking up small crustaceans and fish. Cormorants dive deep, using their powerful feet to pursue fish in underwater chases. Skimmers have uniquely adapted bills that allow them to fly just above the water surface, scooping up fish with their lower mandible.

The role of seabirds in marine ecosystems cannot be overstated. They help regulate fish populations, transfer nutrients from sea to land through their droppings, and serve as indicators of ocean health. When seabird populations decline, it often signals problems in marine ecosystems.

Seabird Research: Unlocking the Mysteries of Ocean Wanderers

The study of seabird species is a window into the mysteries of the world’s oceans, offering vital clues about the health of marine ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change. Researchers track the epic migrations of birds like the arctic tern, which travels from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year, covering more distance than any other animal on Earth. By following these journeys, scientists can monitor shifts in ocean conditions and the availability of prey species, helping to identify changes in marine life that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Other species, such as the brown pelican, are studied for their remarkable adaptations, like their ability to catch fish through dramatic plunge diving. Investigations into the lives of tufted puffins and marbled murrelets reveal the importance of preserving both marine and coastal habitats, as these birds rely on healthy ecosystems to breed and feed. Many seabirds, including the king penguin and other closely related species, share features like dense plumage and streamlined bodies, enabling them to pursue fish and other prey with incredible efficiency. Through ongoing research, scientists are uncovering the secrets of these ocean wanderers, providing the knowledge needed to protect them and the marine environments they call home.

Sea Bird Conservation

Seabirds face numerous threats in our changing world. Nearly one-third of the world's seabirds are threatened or endangered due to various human impacts. Overfishing, bycatch, invasive species, pollution, recreational activities, and the glooming effects of climate change are threatening seabirds simultaneously and at different stages of their lives. Climate change is particularly concerning, as rising seas are flooding seabird colonies in low-lying islands, and marine heat waves are disrupting seabird food sources.

Marine pollution poses another significant threat. 60% of seabird species have been found to ingest plastics and 40% have been entangled in debris, highlighting the urgent need for better ocean stewardship. Commercial fishing operations also impact seabird populations through bycatch and competition for fish stocks. While seabirds are heavily affected by these threats, marine mammals also face significant challenges such as hunting, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat loss, underscoring the interconnected roles of both groups in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Recent disease outbreaks have added to these challenges. High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) caused the worst seabird mass-mortalities in Europe across 2021–2022. The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) was one of the most affected species, with tens of thousands of casualties in the northeast Atlantic between April–September 2022.

What You Can Do to Help

Supporting seabird conservation doesn't require a degree in marine biology. Simple actions can make a significant difference:

Reduce plastic use: Choose reusable bags, bottles, and containers to decrease marine debris that threatens seabirds.

Support sustainable seafood: Choose fish and seafood from sources that use bird-friendly fishing practices and avoid overfishing.

Participate in citizen science: Join organizations like eBird or local seabird monitoring programs to contribute valuable data.

Support conservation organizations: Groups like the American Bird Conservancy, BirdLife International, and local seabird centers work tirelessly to protect these species.

Responsible wildlife viewing: If you're fortunate enough to visit seabird colonies, follow guidelines to minimize disturbance during breeding seasons.

The Future of Seabirds: Hope on the Horizon

Despite the challenges, there are success stories that give us hope. Brown pelicans recovered from near extinction thanks to DDT bans and conservation efforts. Puffin populations in some areas are stabilizing through habitat protection and fishing regulations. New technologies are helping reduce bycatch in commercial fishing, and marine protected areas are providing safe havens for breeding colonies.

The key to seabird conservation lies in understanding that these remarkable birds are indicators of ocean health. When seabird populations thrive, it signals healthy marine ecosystems that benefit all ocean life, including humans. By protecting seabirds, we're protecting the interconnected web of life that depends on our oceans.

SeaBirds: Masters of Two Worlds

Seabirds represent some of nature's most remarkable adaptations to life at the interface between sky and sea. From the massive wandering albatross soaring on 11-foot wings to the tiny storm petrel dancing across wave tops, these ocean birds have mastered one of Earth's most challenging environments. Each species has evolved unique strategies for finding food, raising young, and surviving in the vast expanses of our oceans.

Understanding and protecting these incredible birds at sea isn't just about preserving individual species – it's about maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems. As climate change and human activities continue to impact our oceans, seabirds serve as both sentinels and symbols of what we stand to lose if we don't act responsibly.

The next time you see gulls following a fishing boat or spot a pelican diving for fish, remember that you're witnessing millions of years of evolution in action. These big sea birds and their smaller cousins are living proof that life finds remarkable ways to adapt and thrive, even in the most challenging environments. By supporting their conservation, we ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at these masters of the ocean skies.

Whether you're planning a coastal vacation or simply dreaming of distant shores, keep an eye out for these magnificent oceanic birds. Each sighting is a reminder of the incredible diversity of life that calls our oceans home, and the responsibility we all share in protecting these natural treasures for generations to come.