Why are beaches great places to watch birds?
Beaches aren’t just about sunbathing and swimming. They’re actually dynamic ecosystems, playing host to a huge variety of birds, which makes them ideal locations for birdwatching. Beaches offer unique opportunities to observe birds in their natural environment. You can see them foraging for food, nesting, and interacting with each other.
But what exactly is a “beach bird?” There’s a distinction between seabirds and shorebirds, and it’s important to know the difference. Seabirds, like gulls and terns, spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to shore to breed. Shorebirds, on the other hand, such as sandpipers and plovers, are often found along the water’s edge, probing the sand for invertebrates.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of beach bird you might encounter, offer tips for identifying them, and discuss some of the conservation concerns facing these fascinating creatures.
Seabirds vs. Shorebirds: What’s the Difference?
While you may see both types of birds at the beach, seabirds and shorebirds have different habits and adaptations.
Seabirds: Masters of the Marine Environment
Seabirds are built for life at sea. They’re excellent swimmers and divers, able to catch fish and other marine creatures with their webbed feet, streamlined bodies, and specialized bills.
Many seabirds spend most of their lives far out at sea, only coming to land to breed. Some have evolved impressive wingspans that allow them to soar effortlessly over the ocean waves.
Shorebirds: Waders of the Coastal Fringe
Shorebirds, also known as waders, are the birds you’re most likely to see right at the water’s edge. They have long legs and bills that are perfect for poking around in shallow water and sand for food.
Different shorebird species have developed unique ways of finding their meals. For example, the long-billed curlew uses its extra-long, curved bill to pull tasty morsels from deep mud. Other shorebirds might peck at the surface or snatch insects from the air.
Identifying Common Shorebird Species
So, you’re at the beach and you see a bird. Is it just any old bird, or is it a shorebird? And if it’s a shorebird, which one is it? Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common shorebirds you might see.
Sandpipers: The Tiny Probers
Sandpipers are generally small to medium-sized birds. They have slender bills and legs, and you’ll often see them traveling in large groups along the shoreline.
Three notable types of sandpiper are:
- Dunlin: Dunlins have a black belly in breeding season.
- Sanderling: Sanderlings are pale gray and white.
- Semipalmated Sandpiper: These sandpipers have a slightly webbed foot.
Plovers: The Alert Watchers
Plovers are stocky birds with short bills. They are known for their distinctive foraging style: They run a bit, then pause, then run a bit more.
These birds often nest on open beaches, so be careful where you step.
Three notable types of plover are:
- Red-capped Plover: These plovers are facing conservation concerns, so be sure to give them space.
- Killdeer: Killdeer are known for their broken-wing display to distract predators from their nests.
- Semipalmated Plover: These plovers have a distinctive black band across their chest.
Other Shorebird Groups
Beyond sandpipers and plovers, you might see:
- Stilts and Avocets: These elegant birds have extremely long legs and upturned bills. They’re often found in shallow water and mudflats.
- Oystercatchers: These distinctive birds have long, bright-colored bills that they use to pry open shellfish. Sooty Oystercatchers are all black.
Exploring Common Seabird Species
The beach is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Here are a few of the birds you’re most likely to see near the water.
Gulls and Terns: The Aerial Acrobats
Gulls and terns are some of the most common birds you’ll spot at the beach. Gulls are opportunistic eaters that you’ll find just about anywhere. One species, the Silver Gull, has exploded in population since the 1950s, thanks to the abundance of human waste.
Terns are graceful birds that hunt by diving straight into the water to catch fish. Caspian Terns and Crested Terns are common in many coastal areas. And the Arctic Tern? It performs one of the longest migrations of any animal on the planet!
Pelicans and Cormorants: The Pouch and Hook
Pelicans are those big birds with the distinctive pouches they use to scoop up fish. Australian Pelicans can live a long time — typically 10 to 25 years.
Cormorants, on the other hand, are dark-colored birds that dive underwater to hunt their prey. The Pied Cormorant is one you’ll often see. These birds are well-equipped for underwater swimming and fishing.
Other Seabird Groups
Keep an eye out for other seabirds, too! Gannets and Boobies are diving birds with streamlined bodies and strong beaks.
And then there are the Albatrosses, those majestic birds with incredibly long wingspans perfectly adapted for soaring on ocean winds. The Wandering Albatross boasts the largest wingspan of any bird — nearly 12 feet!
Australian Beach Bird Spotlight
Let’s take a closer look at some of the Australian beach birds mentioned earlier, and learn about their unique adaptations, behaviors, and habitats.
- Australian Pelican: These iconic birds are easily recognized by their massive beaks and throat pouches, which they use to scoop up fish.
- Black Swan: Unlike the more common white swan, Black Swans use their long necks to forage for food up to a meter below the surface of the water.
- Caspian Tern & Crested Tern: These two tern species are commonly seen along Australian coastlines, expertly diving for fish.
- Pacific Gull: Australia’s largest gull, the Pacific Gull is a scavenger and predator, feeding on everything from fish to crustaceans to carrion.
- Pied Cormorant & Sooty Oystercatcher: These birds have distinct colorations and are often seen near the water’s edge, hunting for small invertebrates.
- Red-capped Plover: This small shorebird is known for its distinctive red cap and its habit of running along the sand in search of food.
- Silver Gull: One of Australia’s most common gulls, the Silver Gull is a familiar sight around beaches and harbors.
- Whiskered Tern & White-faced Heron: These birds can also be found in and around Australian beaches.
Many of these species face threats from habitat loss and human disturbance, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.
In Summary
Coastal habitats are vital for the survival of beach birds, but they’re increasingly threatened by development, pollution, and the changing climate. That means it’s up to us to protect these fragile environments.
One of the easiest ways to help is to minimize our impact when we visit the beach. Dispose of waste responsibly, so seabirds don’t ingest it or become entangled. And be mindful of nesting sites. If you see a nest, like those of the Red-capped Plover, tread carefully to avoid disturbing the eggs or chicks.
Finally, consider taking up birdwatching. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn more about the importance of conservation. By appreciating these amazing creatures, we can all play a part in ensuring their survival for generations to come.