waterbird

Waterbird is a non-scientific term used to describe birds whose life cycles center on aquatic ecosystems. This broad category includes species that feed in or on water and that rely on wetlands, rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal zones for nesting, roosting, or shelter. Waterbirds span multiple families and orders, and the term is ecological rather than taxonomic.

Common groups include ducks, geese, and swans; grebes; pelicans; herons and egrets; ibises and spoonbills; storks; and many shorebirds such as plovers and sandpipers. Some seabirds like gulls and terns are also associated with water habitats and are frequently grouped with waterbirds in ecological contexts. Waterbirds show a wide range of feeding strategies, from grazing and filter feeding to pursuit diving, surface dabbling, and probing mud.

Adaptations include webbed or lobed feet for propulsion in water, long bills for catching prey or probing mud, and often waterproof plumage maintained by preen oil and sometimes salt glands to excrete excess salt.

Distribution and behavior: Waterbirds are found on every continent, with large populations in wetlands and coastal zones. Many species migrate seasonally between breeding and wintering grounds. They can form large flocks in non-breeding seasons or during migration, and some species form long-term pair bonds.

Conservation: Wetland loss, water pollution, overfishing, climate change, and disturbance during breeding threaten many waterbirds. Conservation measures include protecting wetland habitats, sustainable water management, pollution control, and monitoring populations.