Marine BirdsMarine Birds

HistoryHistory

Probably evolved from dinosaurs about 160 million years ago.

Their reptilian heritage is clearly visible in their scaly legs and claws and the configuration of their internal organs and skeleton.

Probably evolved from dinosaurs about 160 million years ago.

Their reptilian heritage is clearly visible in their scaly legs and claws and the configuration of their internal organs and skeleton.

CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Endotherms Feathers Hollow Bones Highly Efficient Respiratory System Lay Eggs On Land Incubate And Care For Young

Endotherms Feathers Hollow Bones Highly Efficient Respiratory System Lay Eggs On Land Incubate And Care For Young

Adaptations For Marine LifeAdaptations For Marine Life

Like marine reptiles, seabirds have special salt-excreting glands in their heads to eliminate the excess salt taken in with their food.

Voracious feeders True seabirds avoid land unless breeding

Like marine reptiles, seabirds have special salt-excreting glands in their heads to eliminate the excess salt taken in with their food.

Voracious feeders True seabirds avoid land unless breeding

Four Main GroupsFour Main Groups

Tubenoses Pelicans And Their Relatives Gulls Penguins

Tubenoses Pelicans And Their Relatives Gulls Penguins

TubenosesTubenoses

Albatrosses Most Oceanic Large Efficient Wings Plumbing In Beak

Responsible For Sensing Air Speed, Detecting Smells, And Disposing Of Excess Salt

Albatrosses Most Oceanic Large Efficient Wings Plumbing In Beak

Responsible For Sensing Air Speed, Detecting Smells, And Disposing Of Excess Salt

Pelicans And Their RelativesPelicans And Their Relatives

Pelicans, Cormorants, Frigate Birds, and Boobies

Throat Pouches Webbed Feet

Pelicans, Cormorants, Frigate Birds, and Boobies

Throat Pouches Webbed Feet

GullsGulls

Gulls and Terns Efficient Flyers Live Near The Shore Buoyant Swimmers Good Runners

Gulls and Terns Efficient Flyers Live Near The Shore Buoyant Swimmers Good Runners

PenguinsPenguins

Lost ability to fly Solid Bones Greasy Peg-Like Feathers Large Size And Weight Neutral Buoyancy Good Swimmers Native to Southern Hemisphere

Lost ability to fly Solid Bones Greasy Peg-Like Feathers Large Size And Weight Neutral Buoyancy Good Swimmers Native to Southern Hemisphere