Seabirds | Marine Birds

Seabirds | Marine Birds

Description
Description

Seabirds are a species of bird that spends most of its life in marine habitats. Some can be found in freshwater environments as well. Seabirds generally live longer, breed later, and have fewer young than other bird species. Seabirds also tend to nest in colonies and have extraordinarily long migrations, sometimes across the equator or around the world. Seabirds typically roam very far out to sea and can spend years at a time out at sea, returning only to nest or hatch young. Seabirds have different adaptations for life at sea, including their plumage which is drab, and dark colored so that they are camouflaged to be protected from predators above and below.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What are the common characteristics of seabirds?

Seabirds are birds adapted to life at sea. They have feathers that are dark on top and lighter underneath. Apart from that, their nostrils are enclosed in tubes, hence can smell food several miles away. However, what makes them easily adapted to sea life is the waterproof feathers, fat layers, and ability to desalinate themselves.

What is the role of seabirds in the ecosystem?

Seabirds shape coastal ecosystems in three distinct ways. They carry marine nutrients from the deep sea to the islands and reefs, drop layers of organic matter at their colonies (fertilizing underdeveloped soil), and disperse seeds. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked and their habitats and food sources are exploited by humans.

Can seabirds swim?

Seabirds are well adapted to life on air, water, and even land. So they can swim, dive, float, and fly. This ability to swim is because they have waterproof feathers, fat layers to keep warm in cold water, and can desalinate themselves. They can also hold their breath underwater for three to ten minutes.

* Under Development *

13.4”-16.7” | 34-42.5 cm
47.2”-61” | 120-155 cm (Wingspan)
20.9”-26” | 53-66 cm
1.3-3.6 lb | .6-1.65 kg
20-32 years
American Herring Gull
42.500
155.000
66.000
1.650
32.00
190
GUIDE
3D
American Herring Gull
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
25.6”-30.3” | 65-77 cm (Wingspan)
14.2”-16.9” | 36-43 cm
.2-.3 lb | .08-.13 kg
15-34 years
Arctic Tern
16.000
77.000
43.000
0.130
34.00
35400
GUIDE
3D
Arctic Tern
8.7”-9.8” | 22-25 cm
18.5”-24.8” | 47-63 cm (Wingspan)
11”-12.2” | 28-31 cm
.7-1.2 lb | .3-.55 kg
15-36 years
Atlantic Puffin
25.000
63.000
31.000
0.550
36.00
14700
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Puffin
8.3”-10.4” | 21-26.5 cm
42.1”-50” | 107-127 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-19.7” | 40-50 cm
.6-.8 lb | .25-.37 kg
5-20 years
Black Skimmer
26.500
127.000
50.000
0.370
20.00
4250
GUIDE
3D
Black Skimmer
16.3”-17.5” | 41.5-44.5 cm
52”-61” | 132-155 cm (Wingspan)
29.5”-31.5” | 75-80 cm
2-4 lb | .9-1.8 kg
20-32 years
Brown Booby
44.500
155.000
80.000
1.800
32.00
2350
GUIDE
3D
Brown Booby
11.8”-14.2” | 30-36 cm
24”-28.7” | 61-73 cm (Wingspan)
15”-17.7” | 38-45 cm
1.7-2.8 lb | .78-1.25 kg
15-41 years
Common Murre
36.000
73.000
45.000
1.250
41.00
5500
GUIDE
3D
Common Murre
19.9”-25.4” | 50.5-64.5 cm
44.9”-48.4” | 114-123 cm (Wingspan)
27.6”-35.4” | 70-90 cm
2.6-5.5 lb | 1.2-2.5 kg
6-22 years
Double-Crested Cormorant
64.500
123.000
90.000
2.500
22.00
300
GUIDE
3D
Double-Crested Cormorant
29.5”-33.5” | 75-85 cm
8.9”-10.8” | 22.5-27.5 cm
35.4”-40.9” | 90-104 cm
11-15.4 lb | 5-7 kg
20-25 years
Great Auk
85.000
27.500
104.000
7.000
25.00
25600
GUIDE
3D
Great Auk
13.4”-15.2” | 34-38.5 cm
49.2”-55.1” | 125-140 cm (Wingspan)
20.9”-22.8” | 53-58 cm
2.6-4.4 lb | 1.2-2 kg
22-36 years
Great Skua
38.500
140.000
58.000
2.000
36.00
2500
GUIDE
3D
Great Skua
12.2”-15.75” | 31-40 cm
85.4”-96” | 217-244 cm (Wingspan)
35”-44.9” | 89-114 cm
2.2-4.2 lb | 1-1.9 kg
10-22 years
Magnificent Frigatebird
40.000
244.000
114.000
1.900
22.00
6100
GUIDE
3D
Magnificent Frigatebird
12.4”-15.75” | 31.5-40 cm
40.2”-44.1” | 102-112 cm (Wingspan)
15.4”-19.7” | 39-50 cm
1-2.2 lb | .45-1 kg
30-60 years
Northern Fulmar
40.000
112.000
50.000
1.000
60.00
1350
GUIDE
3D
Northern Fulmar
21.1”-23.8” | 53.5-60.5 cm
65”-70.9” | 165-180 cm (Wingspan)
34.25”-39.4” | 87-100 cm
4.9-7.9 lb | 2.2-3.6 kg
15-37 years
Northern Gannet
60.500
180.000
100.000
3.600
37.00
6000
GUIDE
3D
Northern Gannet
8.7”-10.2” | 22-26 cm
39”-41.7” | 99-106 cm (Wingspan)
17.3”-20.1” | 44-51 cm
.9-1.7 lb | .4-.75 kg
10-30 years
Red-Billed Tropicbird
26.000
106.000
51.000
0.750
30.00
650
GUIDE
3D
Red-Billed Tropicbird
12.2”-15.2” | 31-38.5 cm
41”-50” | 104-127 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-21.25” | 43-54 cm
.7-1.5 lb | .3-.7 kg
10-25 years
Ring-Billed Gull
38.500
127.000
54.000
0.700
25.00
550
GUIDE
3D
Ring-Billed Gull
10.2”-13.4” | 26-34 cm
37”-43.3” | 94-110 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-20.1” | 40-51 cm
1.4-2.2 lb | .65-1 kg
20-40 years
Sooty Shearwater
34.000
110.000
51.000
1.000
40.00
2240
GUIDE
3D
Sooty Shearwater
17.7”-20.9” | 45-53 cm
59”-82.7” | 150-210 cm (Wingspan)
31.5”-39” | 80-99 cm
6.6-18.7 lb | 3-8.5 kg
15-30 years
Southern Giant Petrel
53.000
210.000
99.000
8.500
30.00
3450
GUIDE
3D
Southern Giant Petrel
9.8”-11.4” | 25-29 cm
24.8”-29.1” | 63-74 cm (Wingspan)
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm
1.5-1.9 lb | .7-.9 kg
15-25 years
Tufted Puffin
29.000
74.000
40.000
0.900
25.00
5100
GUIDE
3D
Tufted Puffin
39.4”-49.6” | 100-126 cm
98”-138” | 250–350 cm (Wingspan)
42.1”-53.1” | 107-135 cm
13-28 lb | 5.9-12.7 kg
50-80 years
Wandering Albatross
126.000
350.000
135.000
12.700
80.00
36250
GUIDE
3D
Wandering Albatross
Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
Scale illustration of an average Southern Giant Petrel compared to other seabird species

The Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) also known as the giant fulmar is a large seabird. Southern giant petrels have a dark plumage, a large yellow bill with a green tip, and gray-brown legs. They are known as the vultures of the Southern Ocean and are the most common seabirds. Southern giant petrels typically breed in the Antarctic continent and subarctic islands like Heard Island and South Georgia. They nest in rocky bluffs, open flats, and offshore rocks. This species of petrel feeds on fish, krill, and any waste from boats. They are not considered to be in danger of extinction.

The Southern Giant Petrel has a wingspan in the range of 59”-82.7” (150-210 cm) and total weight of 6.6-18.7 lb (3-8.5 kg). The body of the Southern Giant Petrel has an overall length between 31.5”-39” (80-99 cm), body width of 9.1”-10.8” (23-27.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 17.7”-20.9” (45-53 cm). The typical lifespan of the Southern Giant Petrel is between 15-30 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Southern Giant Petrel
The Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) also known as the giant fulmar is a large seabird. Southern giant petrels have a dark plumage, a large yellow bill with a green tip, and gray-brown legs. They are known as the vultures of the Southern Ocean and are the most common seabirds.

The Southern Giant Petrel has a wingspan in the range of 59”-82.7” (150-210 cm) and total weight of 6.6-18.7 lb (3-8.5 kg). The body of the Southern Giant Petrel has an overall length between 31.5”-39” (80-99 cm), body width of 9.1”-10.8” (23-27.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 17.7”-20.9” (45-53 cm). The typical lifespan of the Southern Giant Petrel is between 15-30 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Southern Giant Petrel
Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
Height:
17.7”-20.9” | 45-53 cm
Width:
59”-82.7” | 150-210 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
31.5”-39” | 80-99 cm
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-18.7 lb | 3-8.5 kg
Area:

Body Width: 9.1”-10.8” | 23-27.5 cm

Scientific Name
Macronectes giganteus
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:

Southern Giant Petrel side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Arctic Tern to other species of seabirds

The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a medium-sized seabird with gray and white feathers with a beak and feet colored red-orange. They are social birds and enjoy nesting in colonies. Arctic terns are seen in the Arctic and cold regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are seen out on the sea for most of the year. The arctic tern can migrate from the North pole to the South pole and travel around 25,000 miles every year. Arctic terns eat fish, crustaceans, insects, mollusks, marine worm, and earthworms. They are not considered in danger of extinction.

The Arctic Tern has a wingspan in the range of 25.6”-30.3” (65-77 cm) and total weight of .2-.3 lb (.08-.13 kg). The body of the Arctic Tern has an overall length between 14.2”-16.9” (36-43 cm), body width of 2.6”-3.3” (6.5-8.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm). The typical lifespan of the Arctic Tern is between 15-34 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Arctic Tern in various poses with dimensions
The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a medium-sized seabird with gray and white feathers with a beak and feet colored red-orange. They are social birds and enjoy nesting in colonies. Arctic terns are seen in the Arctic and cold regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

The Arctic Tern has a wingspan in the range of 25.6”-30.3” (65-77 cm) and total weight of .2-.3 lb (.08-.13 kg). The body of the Arctic Tern has an overall length between 14.2”-16.9” (36-43 cm), body width of 2.6”-3.3” (6.5-8.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm). The typical lifespan of the Arctic Tern is between 15-34 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Arctic Tern in various poses with dimensions
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Height:
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
Width:
25.6”-30.3” | 65-77 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
14.2”-16.9” | 36-43 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.2-.3 lb | .08-.13 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2.6”-3.3” | 6.5-8.5 cm

Scientific Name
Sterna paradisaea
Lifespan
15-34 years

Drawings include:

Arctic Tern side view, front, flying (assorted)

Downloads

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Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Scale illustration of an average Double-Crested Cormorant compared to other seabird species

The Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a seabird with a black plumage and orange-toned skin on their face. Physically they look like a combination of a goose and a loon. The eyes of the double-crested cormorant are aquamarine colored and the insides of their mouth are bright blue. The double-crested cormorant can be found along the coasts of North America, from Alaska to Mexico. They like to nest in trees near or over water, sea cliff, and even on ground on islands. Double-crested cormorants eat fish, crabs, shrimp, frogs, snakes, and plants. They are currently listed as least concern of extinction.

The Double-Crested Cormorant has a wingspan in the range of 44.9”-48.4” (114-123 cm) and total weight of 2.6-5.5 lb (1.2-2.5 kg). The body of the Double-Crested Cormorant has an overall length between 27.6”-35.4” (70-90 cm), body width of 6.5”-7.9” (16.5-20 cm), and standing height of roughly 19.9”-25.4” (50.5-64.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Double-Crested Cormorant is between 6-22 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Double-Crested Cormorant
The Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a seabird with a black plumage and orange-toned skin on their face. Physically they look like a combination of a goose and a loon. The eyes of the double-crested cormorant are aquamarine colored and the insides of their mouth are bright blue.

The Double-Crested Cormorant has a wingspan in the range of 44.9”-48.4” (114-123 cm) and total weight of 2.6-5.5 lb (1.2-2.5 kg). The body of the Double-Crested Cormorant has an overall length between 27.6”-35.4” (70-90 cm), body width of 6.5”-7.9” (16.5-20 cm), and standing height of roughly 19.9”-25.4” (50.5-64.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Double-Crested Cormorant is between 6-22 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Double-Crested Cormorant
Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Height:
19.9”-25.4” | 50.5-64.5 cm
Width:
44.9”-48.4” | 114-123 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
27.6”-35.4” | 70-90 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.6-5.5 lb | 1.2-2.5 kg
Area:

Body Width: 6.5”-7.9” | 16.5-20 cm

Scientific Name
Phalacrocorax auritus
Lifespan
6-22 years

Drawings include:

Double-Crested Cormorant side view, front, flying (assorted)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Ring-Billed Gull to other species of seabirds

The Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is a medium-sized seabird with white and gray plumage. They have yellow eyes with red rims and their beak has a dark ring. Ring-billed gulls are native to the Northern United States and are found near lakes, rivers, and the coasts. Ring-billed gulls are highly comfortable around humans and can sometimes spend time in parking lots, garbage dumps, and beaches. Ring-billed gulls have an omnivorous diet and eat insects, fish, earthworms, and rodents. They sometimes wonder through fields for food, but are typically opportunistic feeders. Ring-billed gulls are not in danger of extinction.

The Ring-Billed Gull has a wingspan in the range of 41”-50” (104-127 cm) and total weight of .7-1.5 lb (.3-.7 kg). The body of the Ring-Billed Gull has an overall length between 16.9”-21.25” (43-54 cm), body width of 5.5”-6.9” (14-17.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 12.2”-15.2” (31-38.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ring-Billed Gull is between 10-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Ring-Billed Gull in various poses with dimensions
The Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is a medium-sized seabird with white and gray plumage. They have yellow eyes with red rims and their beak has a dark ring. Ring-billed gulls are native to the Northern United States and are found near lakes, rivers, and the coasts.

The Ring-Billed Gull has a wingspan in the range of 41”-50” (104-127 cm) and total weight of .7-1.5 lb (.3-.7 kg). The body of the Ring-Billed Gull has an overall length between 16.9”-21.25” (43-54 cm), body width of 5.5”-6.9” (14-17.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 12.2”-15.2” (31-38.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ring-Billed Gull is between 10-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Ring-Billed Gull in various poses with dimensions
Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Height:
12.2”-15.2” | 31-38.5 cm
Width:
41”-50” | 104-127 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
16.9”-21.25” | 43-54 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.7-1.5 lb | .3-.7 kg
Area:

Body Width: 5.5”-6.9” | 14-17.5 cm

Scientific Name
Larus delawarensis
Lifespan
10-25 years

Drawings include:

Ring-Billed Gull side view, front, flying (assorted)

Downloads

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Red-Billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)
Comparison drawing of the Red-Billed Tropicbird  compared to other seabirds

The Red-Billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) is a seabird with mostly white plumage and black markings. Red-billed tropicbirds have a red-bill as their name suggests and tail streamers that are about 2 times their body length. They can be found across the Tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They prefer warm open waters far from the shore and can breed in Pacific Mexico or the Caribbean. Red-billed tropic birds typically eat small fish and squid. They prey mostly by diving into the water from the air. They are not considered in danger of extinction and are listed as least concern.

The Red-Billed Tropicbird has a wingspan in the range of 39”-41.7” (99-106 cm) and total weight of .9-1.7 lb (.4-.75 kg). The body of the Red-Billed Tropicbird has an overall length between 17.3”-20.1” (44-51 cm), body width of 4.7”-5.7” (12-14.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm). The typical lifespan of the Red-Billed Tropicbird is between 10-30 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Red-Billed Tropicbird
The Red-Billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) is a seabird with mostly white plumage and black markings. Red-billed tropicbirds have a red-bill as their name suggests and tail streamers that are about 2 times their body length. They can be found on the Tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

The Red-Billed Tropicbird has a wingspan in the range of 39”-41.7” (99-106 cm) and total weight of .9-1.7 lb (.4-.75 kg). The body of the Red-Billed Tropicbird has an overall length between 17.3”-20.1” (44-51 cm), body width of 4.7”-5.7” (12-14.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm). The typical lifespan of the Red-Billed Tropicbird is between 10-30 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Red-Billed Tropicbird
Red-Billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)
Height:
8.7”-10.2” | 22-26 cm
Width:
39”-41.7” | 99-106 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
17.3”-20.1” | 44-51 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.9-1.7 lb | .4-.75 kg
Area:

Body Width: 4.7”-5.7” | 12-14.5 cm

Scientific Name
Phaethon aethereus
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

Red-Billed Tropicbird side view, front, flying (assorted)

Downloads

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