What are Pelagic Birds?

About Pelagic Birds:

• These 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.
• Features:
  • 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.