Water Birds
Waterbirds also called aquatic birds refer to birds that spend most of their lifestyle in water or live on or around water bodies. Some portray both terrestrial and marine adaptation, but this usually depends on the environment. These birds are characterized by webbed feet or legs adapted for marine life. Others like Penguins have strong wing-bones that are suited to swimming. They largely live in groups, are carnivores, and prefer water baths. Many get their food underwater and would move to land to breed or molt while other species migrate. Waterbirds can be used as an indicator of how robust or shattered an ecosystem is.
The typical characteristics of water birds include webbed feet, beaks, and legs that have been adapted to be as well as feed in the water. Water birds also can dive from the surface or the air to effectively catch their prey in water.
The function of the different types of feathers for water birds ranges, but overall, they help the water bird carry out daily tasks. Contour feathers act as a protective layer, while down feathers are meant to provide insulation. The flight feathers of a water bird help support a bird’s weight during flight.
Water birds have webbed feet to help them swim either on the water surface or under it. The webbed feet of water birds are designed to help propel them through the water. Webbed feet can spread effectively as the water bird pushes its foot backward.
