sjöfåglar

Sjöfåglar, or seabirds, are birds that have adapted to life in the marine environment. They typically spend most of their lives at sea, feeding on marine life and only coming ashore to breed. This group encompasses a wide range of species, from tiny storm petrels to large albatrosses.

Key adaptations of sjöfåglar include specialized salt glands to excrete excess salt consumed from seawater, waterproof plumage to insulate them and allow for flotation, and often webbed feet for efficient swimming. Their diets are varied, including fish, squid, crustaceans, and plankton, depending on the species and its habitat.

Sjöfåglar are found in all oceans, from polar regions to the tropics. Many species undertake long-distance migrations, following food sources or moving to suitable breeding grounds. Their breeding colonies are often established on islands or remote coastlines to avoid terrestrial predators. Common examples of sjöfåglar include gulls, terns, puffins, petrels, and albatrosses. These birds play an important role in marine ecosystems, both as predators and as prey. Their conservation is a concern due to threats such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change.