Post on 25-Sep-2020
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Sea Birdsof the Pacific NW
Marine Biology
Prepared by Diana Wheat - LBCC
Seabirds
• Birds that dwell a significant part of their
life using the resources from the sea.
• Usually nest on islands or near the shore.
• Special adaptations for high energy
environments.
- Flight in potentially high winds
- Many can float or dive
- May nest seasonally on cliff faces.
- Often fast moving to avoid predators.
- Homeothermic/Endothermic
Western GullLarus occidentalis
Most common seabird
Often near human habitations e.g. piers
Often fly inland
Traits
- Distinctive red dot on bill
- White head
- Dark gray back
- Pink legs
- White bands on dark tail
- Juvenile mottled gray, Takes over 2 yrs to dev adult plumage
1)https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Larus_occidentalis_(Western_Gull),_Point_Lobos,_CA,_US_-
_May_2013.jpg2) https://pixabay.com/en/herring-gull-gulls-larus-
argentatus-2166709/
Double Crested CormorantPhalacrocorax auritus
Most common diving bird.
Float low on water surface
After fishing they spread wings to dry.
Traits
- Large, dark plumage
- Long hooked bill
- Orange/yellow skin patch around base of bill & chin
- Often seen in groups
- Long, outstretched necks
- Nests made of sticks, bones and feathers.
1)https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Phalacrocorax-auritus-007.jpg
2)https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3380/3664802740_e7a52f3599_b.jpg – Brandt’s Cormorant
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Brown PelicanPelecanus occidentalis
Large bird found along beaches and near estuaries.
Often in flocks.
Forage for fish over the ocean just offshore. Dives!
Spring & Summer only (OR)
Traits
- Brown plumage
- Massive bill /gular pouch
- White stripes on upper wing, seen if diving.
- Long wingspan 84”1) https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/pelicans-and-
cormorants
2) https://www.flickr.com/photos/livenature/12079540953
Juvenile
Common MurreUria aalge
Gregarious/form colonies
Nest on ledges of islands.
Cliff dwellers
Traits
- Large upright standing
- Long, slender, pointed bill
- Dark sooty gray head & back.
- Vivid white chest & belly
- Eggs are pear shaped/blue
1)https://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexbirder/13667782473/2) https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Murre/sounds
Sounds from a colony
Black OystercatcherHaematopus bachmani
Commonly found on intertidal shorelines.
Feed on many invertz, especially limpets and mussels, but rarely oysters.
Only on W. coast � Alaska
Walks with unusual gait.
Traits
- Nearly entirely black.
- Long, thin pink legs.
- Vivid red-orange beak
-Red eye ring around yellow eye.
https://www.egret.org/node/1417
Photo by Richard Drechsler
Cassin’s AukletPtychoramphus aleuticus
Rarely seen – pelagic
Colonies - offshore islands.
May wash up onto shore.
Fly during dark hours.
Diving birds, feed on krill
Nest in crevices or burrows
Traits
- Small, plump & gray
- Bill short & stout (gray)
- Pale eyes, crescents above & below eye.
- Countershading
1)http://www.birdphotography.com/species/caau.htmlPeter LaTourrette
2)https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/01/150123-seabirds-mass-die-off-auklet-california-animals-environment/
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Semipalmated PloverCharadrius semipalmatus
Found along the beach.*
Seen from afar, have a behavior of run-stop-scan movement
Hunting for surface invertz.
Traits
Small shorebird ~7”
Brown & black wings.
Distinctive dark breast band
Short orange & black bill
Long skinny legs (orange)1) https://pixnio.com2) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Snowy_Plover
_(Charadrius_nivosus)_(6326191981).jpg
* Also found in
mudflats & salt
marshes
Prefers sand dunes
Sooty ShearwaterPuffinus griseus
Perhaps the most common seabird in OR.
Form huge flocks.
Glide along the waves.
Seen mostly by fisherman or boaters just off coast.
Traits
Dark/sooty plumage
Fast wingbeats followed by short glides.
Whitish under wings
Hooked bill 1)
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Common loonGavia immer
Seen in bays and lakes near shore.
Famous for its call.
Large, floating/diving bird.
Cumbersome on land.
Traits:
Large
Robust neck
B&W speckled plumage
Complex coloration, bands
Red eye
1) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gavia_immer_-Minocqua,_Wisconsin,_USA_-swimming-8.jpg
2) https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Loon
Breeding plumage,
more brown off season.
Sound of a Loon
Rarely Seen
but noteworthy birds
Tufted Puffin Marbeled Murrelet
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Threats to Seabirds
�Habitat loss – conversion to development.
�Increased recreational use of beaches e.g.
ATVs and human encroachment.
�Disruption of food chain, warming seas &
overharvesting of food sources.
�Disturbance e.g. dogs chasing them,
boating close to colonies, fireworks*
�Pollution – in particular plastics/fishing line
To learn more……
• Consider watching nature films.
• Be open to learning more.
• When you visit the coast:
- Take time to stroll
- Consider workshops/Audubon mtgs.
- Book a pelagic tour – ecotourism.
- Share your enthusiasm with others.
Credits
Background Template - Attribution
Presentation Magazine website www.presentationmagazine.com
Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest
USFWS Brochure
Websites:
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/loons-and-grebes
Siletz Bay – National Wildlife Refuge Website, USFWS.https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Siletz_Bay/wildlife_and_habitat/shorebirds.html
Field Guide to Birds of North America – National Geographic 4th edition