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.

What are the typical characteristics of water birds?

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.

What is the function of feathers for water birds?

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.

Why do water birds have webbed feet?

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.

Water Birds Guides
Browse through our curated Water Birds Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Water Birds. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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18”-28” | 46-71 cm
8-13 lb | 3.6-6 kg
11-20 years
Adélie Penguin
71.000
6.000
20.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Adélie Penguin
24”-27” | 61-69 cm
7.5”-8.7” | 19-22 cm
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
10-30 years
African Penguin
69.000
22.000
4.000
30.00
23350
GUIDE
3D
African Penguin
13.4”-17.7” | 34-45 cm
26.8”-29.9” | 68-76 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-20.1” | 40-51 cm
.6-.93 lb | .27-.42 kg
9-15 years
American Avocet
45.000
76.000
51.000
0.420
15.00
2940
GUIDE
3D
American Avocet
47.2”-57” | 120-145 cm
51.2”-65” | 130-165 cm (Wingspan)
47.2”-57” | 120-145 cm
4.85-7.94 lb | 2.2-3.6 kg
20-50 years
American Flamingo
145.000
165.000
145.000
3.600
50.00
8100
GUIDE
3D
American Flamingo
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
9.8”-11” | 25-28 cm
31.9”-35” | 81-89 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-17.3” | 40-44 cm
.88-1.54 lb | .4-.7 kg
10-17 years
American Oystercatcher
28.000
89.000
44.000
0.700
17.00
3100
GUIDE
3D
American Oystercatcher
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
24”-30.7” | 61-78 cm
63”-79” | 160-201 cm (Wingspan)
43.3”-55.9” | 110-142 cm
8.2-19.8 lb | 3.7-9 kg
12-40 years
Black Swan
78.000
201.000
142.000
9.000
40.00
695200
GUIDE
3D
Black Swan
12.6”-15” | 32-38 cm
27.6”-32.3” | 70-82 cm (Wingspan)
14.6”-17.3” | 37-44 cm
.42-.88 lb | .19-.4 kg
10-24 years
Black-Tailed Godwit
38.000
82.000
44.000
0.400
24.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Black-Tailed Godwit
15.75”-19.1” | 40-48.5 cm
28”-32.7” | 71-83 cm (Wingspan)
13”-15.75” | 33-40 cm
.33-.44 lb | .15-.2 kg
10-20 years
Black-Winged Stilt
48.500
83.000
40.000
0.200
20.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
Black-Winged Stilt
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
7.5”-9.4” | 19-24 cm
20”-24” | 51-61 cm (Wingspan)
13”-16” | 33-41 cm
.6-1.2 lb | .27-.55 kg
3-18 years
Bufflehead
24.000
61.000
41.000
0.550
18.00
21060
GUIDE
3D
Bufflehead
14.6”-21.7” | 37-55 cm
50”-73” | 127-185 cm (Wingspan)
29.5”-43.3” | 75-110 cm
5.5-14 lb | 2.5-6.35 kg
10-24 years
Canada Goose
55.000
185.000
110.000
6.350
24.00
31200
GUIDE
3D
Canada Goose
27”-30” | 68-76 cm
7-12 lb | 3.2-5.3 kg
15-20 years
Chinstrap Penguin
76.000
5.300
20.00
6900
GUIDE
3D
Chinstrap Penguin
11.4”-14.6” | 29-37 cm
34”-38” | 86-97 cm (Wingspan)
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
2-4.6 lb | .9-2.1 kg
11-15 years
Common Merganser
37.000
97.000
71.000
2.100
15.00
13350
GUIDE
3D
Common Merganser
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
4.5”-5.7” | 11.5-14.5 cm
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Wingspan)
7.5”-9.4” | 19-24 cm
.09-.13 lb | .04-.06 kg
10-15 years
Common Sandpiper
14.500
40.000
24.000
0.060
15.00
5700
GUIDE
3D
Common Sandpiper
4.7”-5.3” | 12-13.5 cm
15.75”-18.5” | 40-47 cm (Wingspan)
9.8”-11” | 25-28 cm
.18-.4 lb | .08-.18 kg
10-18 years
Common Snipe
13.500
47.000
28.000
0.180
18.00
6500
GUIDE
3D
Common Snipe
24.4”-29.9” | 62-76 cm
58”-71” | 147-180 cm (Wingspan)
29.1”-35.8” | 74-91 cm
4.9-10.1 lb | 2.2-4.6 kg
15-31 years
Domestic Goose
76.000
180.000
91.000
4.600
31.00
9200
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Goose
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
15.75”-17.3” | 40-44 cm
48”-56” | 122-142 cm (Wingspan)
26”-28” | 66-71 cm
4.3-6.9 lb | 1.95-3.13 kg
6-12 years
Emperor Goose
44.000
142.000
71.000
3.130
12.00
2530
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Goose
43”-51” | 110-130 cm
49-99 lb | 22-45 kg
15-20 years
Emperor Penguin
130.000
45.000
20.00
44000
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Penguin
20”-26” | 51-66 cm
9.4”-11.8” | 24-30 cm
6-13 lb | 2.7-5.9 kg
10-20 years
Erect-Crested Penguin
66.000
30.000
5.900
20.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Erect-Crested Penguin
7.5”-8.7” | 19-22 cm
21.7”-23.6” | 55-60 cm (Wingspan)
13”-15” | 33-38 cm
.51-.93 lb | .23-.42 kg
10-15.5 years
Eurasian Woodcock
22.000
60.000
38.000
0.420
15.50
2000
GUIDE
3D
Eurasian Woodcock
21”-23” | 53-58 cm
7.9”-9.1” | 20-23 cm
4.4-13.2 lb | 2-6 kg
10-20 years
Fiordland Penguin
58.000
23.000
6.000
20.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Fiordland Penguin
Gadwall
14040
11”-13.4” | 28-34 cm
31”-35” | 79-89 cm (Wingspan)
18”-22” | 46-56 cm
1.2-2.2 lb | .55-1 kg
10-28 years
Gadwall
34.000
89.000
56.000
1.000
28.00
14040
GUIDE
3D
Gadwall
18”-21” | 46-53 cm
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
3.5-6 lb | 1.6-2.7 kg
15-20 years
Galápagos Penguin
53.000
17.000
2.700
20.00
16400
GUIDE
3D
Galápagos Penguin
20”-35” | 51-90 cm
11-19 lb | 4.9-8.5 kg
15-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
90.000
8.500
20.00
9900
GUIDE
3D
Gentoo Penguin
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
43.3”-59” | 110-150 cm
55.1”-66.9” | 140-170 cm (Wingspan)
43.3”-59” | 110-150 cm
4.4-9.9 lb | 2-4.5 kg
30-60 years
Greater Flamingo
150.000
170.000
150.000
4.500
60.00
18300
GUIDE
3D
Greater Flamingo
5.7”-6.7” | 14.5-17 cm
18.9”-20.1” | 48-51 cm (Wingspan)
9.1”-10.6” | 23-27 cm
.18-.26 lb | .08-.12 kg
13-15 years
Grey-Tailed Tattler
17.000
51.000
27.000
0.120
15.00
140
GUIDE
3D
Grey-Tailed Tattler
8.7”-12.6” | 22-32 cm
22”-26” | 56-66 cm (Wingspan)
14”-20” | 36-51 cm
1-1.7 lb | .45-.76 kg
12-20 years
Harlequin Duck
32.000
66.000
51.000
0.760
20.00
12050
GUIDE
3D
Harlequin Duck
9.8”-12.2” | 25-31 cm
23”-28” | 58-71 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-19.3” | 40-49 cm
1-1.9 lb | .45-.88 kg
11-16 years
Hooded Merganser
31.000
71.000
49.000
0.880
16.00
27070
GUIDE
3D
Hooded Merganser
24”-28” | 61-71 cm
7.9”-9.4” | 20-24 cm
8-13 lb | 3.6-6 kg
10-20 years
Humboldt Penguin
71.000
24.000
6.000
20.00
11200
GUIDE
3D
Humboldt Penguin
7.7”-8.5” | 19.5-21.5 cm
27.6”-29.5” | 70-75 cm (Wingspan)
15”-16.5” | 38-42 cm
.6-.71 lb | .27-.32 kg
15-26 years
Ibisbill
21.500
75.000
42.000
0.320
26.00
70
GUIDE
3D
Ibisbill
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm
18.1”-18.9” | 46-48 cm (Wingspan)
7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm
.17-.28 lb | .075-.128 kg
10-12 years
Killdeer
20.000
48.000
27.000
0.128
12.00
42250
GUIDE
3D
Killdeer
28”-39” | 70-100 cm
21-40 lb | 9.3-18 kg
15-30 years
King Penguin
100.000
18.000
30.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
King Penguin
63”-67” | 160-170 cm
17.7”-19.3” | 45-49 cm
198-220 lb | 90-100 kg
Kumimanu
170.000
49.000
100.000
750
GUIDE
3D
Kumimanu
12”-15” | 30.5-38 cm
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
2-3.5 lb | .9-1.6 kg
5-7 years
Little Penguin
38.000
15.000
1.600
7.00
19800
GUIDE
3D
Little Penguin
24”-27” | 61-69 cm
7-14 lb | 3.2-6.4 kg
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
69.000
6.400
20.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
Macaroni Penguin
24”-30” | 61-76 cm
8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm
5.5-14.3 lb | 2.5-6.5 kg
20-30 years
Magellanic Penguin
76.000
27.000
6.500
30.00
8400
GUIDE
3D
Magellanic Penguin
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
Mallard
105400
12.6”-17.7” | 32-45 cm
32”-39” | 81-99 cm (Wingspan)
19.7”-28” | 50-71 cm
1.5-3.5 lb | .7-1.6 kg
5-29 years
Mallard
45.000
99.000
71.000
1.600
29.00
105400
GUIDE
3D
Mallard
14.2”-18.1” | 36-46 cm
54”-60” | 137-152 cm (Wingspan)
26”-33.1” | 66-84 cm
6-15 lb | 2.72-6.8 kg
6-15 years
Muscovy Duck
46.000
152.000
84.000
6.800
15.00
68000
GUIDE
3D
Muscovy Duck
33.1”-42.9” | 84-109 cm
59”-94” | 150-239 cm (Wingspan)
49.2”-63” | 125-160 cm
19-26 lb | 8.62-11.79 kg
15-25 years
Mute Swan
109.000
239.000
160.000
11.790
25.00
24800
GUIDE
3D
Mute Swan
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
5.1”-7.3” | 13-18.5 cm
18.9”-20.1” | 48-51 cm (Wingspan)
6.7”-9.4” | 17-24 cm
.19-.32 lb | .087-.145 kg
3-6.5 years
Northern Jacana
18.500
51.000
24.000
0.145
6.50
2950
GUIDE
3D
Northern Jacana
16”-18” | 41-46 cm
6.3”-7.5” | 16-19 cm
4-10 lb | 1.8-4.5 kg
10-30 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
46.000
19.000
4.500
30.00
2070
GUIDE
3D
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
11”-14.2” | 28-36 cm (Wingspan)
5.9”-7.5” | 15-19 cm
.09-.21 lb | .04-.095 kg
3-13.5 years
Plains Wanderer
18.000
36.000
19.000
0.095
13.50
1140
GUIDE
3D
Plains Wanderer
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
8.9”-10.6” | 22.5-27 cm
31”-33” | 79-84 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-20.9” | 43-53 cm
1.5-3.2 lb | .68-1.45 kg
10-23 years
Redhead Duck
27.000
84.000
53.000
1.450
23.00
5860
GUIDE
3D
Redhead Duck
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
4.3”-4.9” | 11-12.5 cm
18.9”-22.4” | 48-57 cm (Wingspan)
6.7”-7.9” | 17-20 cm
.11-.17 lb | .05-.075 kg
5-10 years
Ringed Plover
12.500
57.000
20.000
0.075
10.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
Ringed Plover
26”-30” | 66-76 cm
9.8”-11.4” | 25-29 cm
8.8-14.3 lb | 4-6.5 kg
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
76.000
29.000
6.500
30.00
4400
GUIDE
3D
Royal Penguin
7.9”-10” | 20-25.5 cm
22”-25” | 56-64 cm (Wingspan)
13.4”-16.9” | 34-43 cm
.8-1.8 lb | .35-.8 kg
13-20 years
Ruddy Duck
25.500
64.000
43.000
0.800
20.00
20300
GUIDE
3D
Ruddy Duck
6.7”-9.25” | 17-23.5 cm
17.7”-22” | 45-56 cm (Wingspan)
9.1”-12.6” | 23-32 cm
.14-.39 lb | .065-.154 kg
7-13 years
Short-Billed Dowitcher
23.500
56.000
32.000
0.154
13.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Short-Billed Dowitcher
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
7.9”-10.2” | 20-26 cm
5-10 lb | 2.3-4.5 kg
15-20 years
Snares Penguin
71.000
26.000
4.500
20.00
260
GUIDE
3D
Snares Penguin
18.9”-24.8” | 48-63 cm
53”-65” | 135-165 cm (Wingspan)
25.2”-33.1” | 64-84 cm
4.4-7.1 lb | 2-3.2 kg
15-25 years
Snow Goose
63.000
165.000
84.000
3.200
25.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Snow Goose
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
12.2”-14.8” | 31-37.5 cm
22”-27.6” | 56-70 cm (Wingspan)
12.6”-15” | 32-38 cm
.55-.94 lb | .25-.425 kg
10-13 years
Southern Lapwing
37.500
70.000
38.000
0.425
13.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Southern Lapwing
37.8”-46.5” | 96-118 cm
72”-102” | 183-259 cm (Wingspan)
57.1”-70.9” | 145-180 cm
15.4-30 lb | 7-13.6 kg
24-35 years
Trumpeter Swan
118.000
259.000
180.000
13.600
35.00
13100
GUIDE
3D
Trumpeter Swan
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
29.5”-37.8” | 75-96 cm
72”-84” | 183-213 cm (Wingspan)
45.3”-59.1” | 115-150 cm
7.5-21.2 lb | 3.4-9.6 kg
15-24 years
Tundra Swan
96.000
213.000
150.000
9.600
24.00
9350
GUIDE
3D
Tundra Swan
25”-39” | 65-100 cm
6.3”-10.2” | 16-26 cm
22-66 lb | 10-30 kg
Waimanu
100.000
26.000
30.000
540
GUIDE
3D
Waimanu
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
9.6”-11.4” | 24.5-29 cm
15.75”-20.1” | 40-51 cm (Wingspan)
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
.19-.32 lb | .085-.145 kg
3-6.5 years
Wattled Jacana
29.000
51.000
25.000
0.145
6.50
2000
GUIDE
3D
Wattled Jacana
12”-13.8” | 30.5-35 cm
26”-30” | 66-76 cm (Wingspan)
18.5”-21.3” | 47-54 cm
1-1.9 lb | .45-.86 kg
15-23 years
Wood Duck
35.000
76.000
54.000
0.860
23.00
74600
GUIDE
3D
Wood Duck
24”-31” | 61-79 cm
8.3”-11” | 21-28 cm
8-18 lb | 3.6-8.2 kg
10-25 years
Yellow-Eyed Penguin
79.000
28.000
8.200
25.00
6100
GUIDE
3D
Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Great Skua (Stercorarius skua)
Scale illustration of an average Great Skua compared to other seabird species

The Great Skua (Stercorarius skua) is a seabird with a gray-brown plumage, short tail, and is about the size of a herring gull. Great skuas are native to the North Atlantic Ocean and can mainly be found Iceland and in the islands north of England. The diet of the great skuas mainly consists of fish, birds, and carrion. They may also eat insects and small mammals that are no bigger than a rabbit. Great skuas like to nest on the treeless islands with little vegetation. Great skuas are not in danger of extinction and are listed as least concern.

The Great Skua has a wingspan in the range of 49.2”-55.1” (125-140 cm) and total weight of 2.6-4.4 lb (1.2-2 kg). The body of the Great Skua has an overall length between 20.9”-22.8” (53-58 cm), body width of 7.5”-8.3” (19-21 cm), and standing height of roughly 13.4”-15.2” (34-38.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Great Skua is between 22-36 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Great Skua
The Great Skua (Stercorarius skua) is a seabird with a gray-brown plumage, short tail, and is about the size of a herring gull. Great skuas are native to the North Atlantic Ocean and can mainly be found Iceland and in the islands north of England. The diet of the great skuas mainly consists of fish.

The Great Skua has a wingspan in the range of 49.2”-55.1” (125-140 cm) and total weight of 2.6-4.4 lb (1.2-2 kg). The body of the Great Skua has an overall length between 20.9”-22.8” (53-58 cm), body width of 7.5”-8.3” (19-21 cm), and standing height of roughly 13.4”-15.2” (34-38.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Great Skua is between 22-36 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Great Skua
Great Skua (Stercorarius skua)
Height:
13.4”-15.2” | 34-38.5 cm
Width:
49.2”-55.1” | 125-140 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
20.9”-22.8” | 53-58 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.6-4.4 lb | 1.2-2 kg
Area:

Body Width: 7.5”-8.3” | 19-21 cm

Scientific Name
Stercorarius skua
Lifespan
22-36 years

Drawings include:

Great Skua side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Short-Billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
Comparison drawing of the Short-billed Dowitcher compared to other shorebirds

The Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) is a migratory shorebird that lives in North America, Central America, the Carribbean, and northern South America. In the north the species prefers to live in the tundra, and in the south they occupy ponds and mudflats. They eat mostly invertebrates which are obtained by rapidly probing their bills in a sewing fashion into mud. Physically, the adult Short-billed Dowitcher is dark brown on top and red underneath. The tail is black and white with a barred pattern, and the legs are yellow. In winter the plumage is mostly gray.

The Short-billed Dowitcher has a wingspan in the range of 17.7”-22” (45-56 cm) and total weight of .14-.39 lb (.065-.154 kg). The body of the Short-billed Dowitcher has an overall length between 9.1”-12.6” (23-32 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 6.7”-9.25” (17-23.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Short-billed Dowitcher is between 7-13 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Short-billed Dowitcher
The Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) is a migratory shorebird that lives in North America, Central America, the Carribbean, and northern South America. In the north the species prefers to live in the tundra, and in the south they occupy ponds and mudflats.

The Short-billed Dowitcher has a wingspan in the range of 17.7”-22” (45-56 cm) and total weight of .14-.39 lb (.065-.154 kg). The body of the Short-billed Dowitcher has an overall length between 9.1”-12.6” (23-32 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and standing height of roughly 6.7”-9.25” (17-23.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Short-billed Dowitcher is between 7-13 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Short-billed Dowitcher
Short-Billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
Height:
6.7”-9.25” | 17-23.5 cm
Width:
17.7”-22” | 45-56 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
9.1”-12.6” | 23-32 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.14-.39 lb | .065-.154 kg
Area:

Body Width: 2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm

Scientific Name
Limnodromus griseus
Lifespan
7-13 years

Drawings include:

Short-billed Dowitcher side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Snow Goose to other species of waterfowl

The Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) is a North American species; its name references the typically white plumage. The other plumage morph is gray/blue, and the bluish-gray plumage replaces the white except on the head, neck, and tail tip. The white-morph is all white except for the black wing tips. Both variations have rose-red feet and legs and pink bills with black tomia. They breed north of the timberline in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern tip of Siberia, and they spend winters in the warmer parts of North America- from southwestern British Columbia through parts of the United States to Mexico.

The Snow Goose has a wingspan in the range of 53”-65” (135-165 cm) and total weight of 4.4-7.1 lb (2-3.2 kg). The body of the Snow Goose has an overall length between 25.2”-33.1” (64-84 cm), body width of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), and standing height of roughly 18.9”-24.8” (48-63 cm). The typical lifespan of the Snow Goose is between 15-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Snow Goose in various poses with dimensions
The Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) is a North American species; its name references the typically white plumage. The other plumage morph is gray/blue, and the bluish-gray plumage replaces the white except on the head, neck, and tail tip. The white-morph is all white except for the black wing tips.

The Snow Goose has a wingspan in the range of 53”-65” (135-165 cm) and total weight of 4.4-7.1 lb (2-3.2 kg). The body of the Snow Goose has an overall length between 25.2”-33.1” (64-84 cm), body width of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), and standing height of roughly 18.9”-24.8” (48-63 cm). The typical lifespan of the Snow Goose is between 15-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Snow Goose in various poses with dimensions
Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
Height:
18.9”-24.8” | 48-63 cm
Width:
53”-65” | 135-165 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
25.2”-33.1” | 64-84 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4.4-7.1 lb | 2-3.2 kg
Area:

Body Width: 7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm

Scientific Name
Anser caerulescens
Lifespan
15-25 years

Drawings include:

Snow Goose 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)

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American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Comparison illustration of the size of a American Flamingo to other species of shorebirds

The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is the only flamingo species that naturally inhabits North America. They have a reddish pink plumage with red wing coverts; the secondary flight feathers are black, and the bill is pink and white with a black tip. The legs are slender and entirely pink. As they live in shallow-water environments, the American Flamingo has adapted with long legs and large webbed feet to wade and stir up the bottom of the water bed bringing up food to be retrieved. Their diets heavily depend on the food source in the area, and if available food items do not meet their needs, they move to better feeding areas.

The American Flamingo has a wingspan in the range of 51.2”-65” (130-165 cm) and total weight of 4.85-7.94 lb (2.2-3.6 kg). The body of the American Flamingo has an overall length between 47.2”-57” (120-145 cm), body width of 8.3”-10.2” (21-26 cm), and standing height of roughly 47.2”-57” (120-145 cm). The typical lifespan of the American Flamingo is between 20-50 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of American Flamingo in various poses with dimensions
The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is the only flamingo species that naturally inhabits North America. They have a reddish pink plumage with red wing coverts; the secondary flight feathers are black, and the bill is pink and white with a black tip. The legs are slender and entirely pink.

The American Flamingo has a wingspan in the range of 51.2”-65” (130-165 cm) and total weight of 4.85-7.94 lb (2.2-3.6 kg). The body of the American Flamingo has an overall length between 47.2”-57” (120-145 cm), body width of 8.3”-10.2” (21-26 cm), and standing height of roughly 47.2”-57” (120-145 cm). The typical lifespan of the American Flamingo is between 20-50 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of American Flamingo in various poses with dimensions
American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Height:
47.2”-57” | 120-145 cm
Width:
51.2”-65” | 130-165 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
47.2”-57” | 120-145 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4.85-7.94 lb | 2.2-3.6 kg
Area:

Body Width: 8.3”-10.2” | 21-26 cm

Scientific Name
Phoenicopterus ruber
Lifespan
20-50 years

Drawings include:

American Flamingo side view, front, flying (assorted)

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