What are Aquatic Birds?
Aquatic birds are a group of birds that have adapted to living in or near water environments, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and marshes. These birds have a variety of adaptations that allow them to swim, dive, and feed in aquatic environments, such as webbed feet for swimming, waterproof feathers to help them swim and stay dry in the water , long necks for foraging in shallow water, and specialized beaks for catching fish and other aquatic prey. Some examples of aquatic birds include ducks, geese, swans, pelicans, cormorants, herons, seagulls, terns,penguins and many species of seabirds.
Many aquatic birds are also migratory, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Aquatic Birds Name Chart
Aquatic Birds list in Hindi and English with Picture
| Aquatic birds Name | Name in Hindi | Scientific name | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | भूरा हवासील | Pelecanus occidentalis |  |
| White Pelican | सफेद हवासील | Pelecanus erythrorhynchos |  |
| Mottled Duck | धब्बेदार बतख | Anas fulvigula |  |
| Swan | हंस | Cygnus |  |
| Seagull | सीगल | Larus argentatus |  |
| Flamingo | मराल | Phoenicopterus |  |
| Penguin | पेंगुइन | Spheniscidae |  |
| Cormorant | पनकौवा | Phalacrocoracidae |  |
| Heron | बगला | Ardeidae |  |
| Crane | सारस | Gruidae |  |
| Kingfisher | नीलकंठ | Alcedinidae |  |
| Loon | जल पक्षी | Gavia |  |
| Stork | सारस | Ciconiidae |  |
| Tern | टैन | Sternidae |  |
| Moorhen | जंगली मुर्गी | Gallinula |  |
| Spoonbill | एक प्रकार का पक्षी | Platalea |  |
| Grebe | पनडुब्बी पक्षी | Podicipedidae |  |
| Goose | कलहंस | Anser |  |
| Pintail | पिंटेल पक्षी | Anas acuta |  |
| Sandpiper | टिटहरी | Scolopacidae |  |
Definition of Aquatic Birds
☛ Brown pelican
Brown pelican is a species of pelican that is nativBrown pelicans are found along coastal areas, including beaches, estuaries, and bays. They feed primarily on fish, and they are known for their unique hunting technique, where they dive into the water from great heights to catch their preye to North and South America. It is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and it is easily recognizable by its distinctive long beak, large pouch, and dark brown feathers.
Brown pelicans are found along coastal areas, including beaches, estuaries, and bays. They feed primarily on fish, and they are known for their unique hunting technique, where they dive into the water from great heights to catch their prey.
☛ White Pelican
The White Pelican is a large bird species that is primarily found in North America. It is known for its large size, distinctive white plumage, and pouch-like bill. White Pelicans feed by dipping their bill into the water and scooping up fish and other aquatic creatures. They are social birds and often feed and breed in large flocks.
☛ Mottled Duck
Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) is a species of dabbling duck that is native to the United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. It is a medium-sized duck with a distinctive mottled brown and black plumage that is similar in appearance to the mallard. The Mottled Duck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, and lakes. It feeds on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds, and insects, and uses its broad bill to filter food from the water. The Mottled Duck breeds in the southern United States and Mexico, and migrates to its wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Mottled Ducks are known for their strong pair bonds, with pairs remaining together throughout the year. The Mottled Duck is a common and widespread species, and is not considered to be threatened or endangered. However, some populations may be affected by habitat loss and degradation, hunting, and other environmental factors.
☛ Swan
The Swan is a large, graceful waterbird that is native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They are members of the family Anatidae and are known for their long necks, webbed feet, and striking appearance.
Swans are typically found in freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and feed on a variety of small organisms, including aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates. They are also well adapted to their watery habitats, and are able to swim and feed with ease.
Swans are known for their elegant and graceful appearance, and have been featured in art, literature, and mythology for thousands of years. They are also a symbol of grace and beauty, and are often associated with love, peace, and other positive themes.
☛ Seagull
The Seagull is a common name used to refer to several species of gulls that are found along coastal regions and near large bodies of water. Gulls are birds of the family Laridae and are characterized by their webbed feet, hooked beaks, and distinctive vocalizations.
Seagulls feed on a variety of foods, including fish, crustaceans, and carrion, and are known for their opportunistic feeding habits. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of environments, from arctic tundra to tropical beaches.
Seagulls are often associated with the coast and are a common sight along seashores, harbors, and in the air over the open ocean. They are also well-known for their loud and persistent calls, which can be heard from great distances.
☛ Flamingo
Flamingos are large, wading birds that are native to Africa, South America, and the Galapagos Islands. They are members of the family Phoenicopteridae, and are best known for their distinctive appearance, including their long, thin legs, downward-curving beaks, and bright pink plumage.
Flamingos feed on a variety of small organisms, including algae, crustaceans, and mollusks, which they filter from the water using their beaks. They are well adapted to their wetland habitats, and are able to feed and move about in shallow water with ease.
Flamingos are social birds, and are often seen in large flocks in their natural habitats. They are also popular in zoos and aviaries, where they are kept for their distinctive appearance and fascinating behavior.
☛ Penguin
Penguins are flightless birds that belong to the order Sphenisciformes. They are found in many parts of the world, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, and are well adapted to life in the water, where they feed on a variety of aquatic prey, including fish, squid, and krill. Penguins are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a streamlined body, flippers instead of wings, and a tuxedo-like plumage. There are 17 to 19 species of penguins, ranging in size from the tiny little penguin to the large emperor penguin. Penguins are highly social birds and live in large colonies, where they mate for life, care for their young, and huddle together for warmth in the harsh polar climates. Penguins are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their food web.
☛ Cormorant
The Cormorant is a large, aquatic bird that belongs to the Phalacrocoracidae family. There are several species of Cormorants, which are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Cormorants are known for their distinctive appearance, with long, hooked bills and glossy, black feathers. They are strong swimmers and divers, and are often seen perched on rocks, pilings, or other structures along the water's edge, drying their feathers.
Cormorants are also important indicators of the health of aquatic environments. Their populations can be affected by factors such as water pollution and over-fishing, and changes in their numbers can provide important clues about the health of their habitats.
☛ Heron
Herons are a group of wading birds that are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. They belong to the family Ardeidae and are known for their long legs, sharp beaks, and distinctive hunting behavior.
Herons are primarily found near water, and they use their long legs and sharp beaks to catch fish, crustaceans, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. They are also capable of flying, and they are known for their slow and graceful flight patterns.
Herons come in a variety of sizes and colors, depending on the species. Some herons are small and gray, while others are larger and more colorful, with distinctive markings and plumes.
☛ Crane
Cranes are large, wading birds that are native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. They are members of the family Gruidae and are known for their long legs, necks, and distinctive appearance.
Cranes are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests, and feed on a variety of small organisms, including insects, crustaceans, and small mammals. They are also well adapted to their habitats, and are able to move and feed with ease in a variety of environments.
Cranes are known for their impressive size, and are among the tallest birds in the world. They are also known for their distinctive appearance, including their long, thin legs and necks, and the elaborate courtship dances that they perform during mating season.
☛ Kingfisher
Kingfishers are a group of birds that belong to the family Alcedinidae. They are found in many parts of the world, particularly near bodies of water, and are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a large head, short neck, and bright, colorful plumage. Kingfishers are expert fishers and feed on a variety of aquatic prey, including fish, crustaceans, and insects, which they catch by diving into the water from a perch. There are over 90 species of kingfishers, ranging in size from the tiny American kinglet to the large giant kingfisher. Kingfishers are often associated with water and good fortune, and appear in the folklore, mythology, and cultural references of many cultures around the world. Some species of kingfishers are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and other environmental factors.
☛ Loon
Loons are large, waterbird species that are found in many parts of the world, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. They belong to the genus Gavia and are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a large head, a thick, heavy bill, and a partially webbed foot.
Loons are excellent swimmers and divers, and they spend most of their time on lakes and rivers, where they hunt for fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures. They are also strong fliers and are able to fly long distances to reach their breeding and wintering grounds.
Loons are primarily gray or black in color, with white underparts and a checkered pattern on their backs. They are relatively large birds, with a body length of 60-75 cm and a wingspan of 120-150 cm.
☛ Stork
Storks are large birds that belong to the family Ciconiidae. There are many different species of storks, which are found throughout the world in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Storks are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a long, thick neck, a large, straight bill, and long, sturdy legs.
Storks feed mainly on small mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles, which they catch by wading in shallow water or stalking through tall grass. They are strong fliers, and they are often seen soaring high in the sky, with their necks outstretched and their wings spread wide.
Storks are typically white, black, or gray in color, with some species having distinctive markings on their necks, wings, or underparts. They are large birds, with a body length of 100-150 cm and a wingspan of 150-200 cm.
☛ Tern
Terns are a group of seabirds that belong to the family Sternidae. There are many different species of terns, which are found throughout the world in coastal and marine environments. Terns are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a long, narrow, pointed bill, long, slender wings, and a forked tail.
Terns feed mainly on small fish and other aquatic animals, which they catch while diving into the water from the air. They are excellent fliers, and they are often seen hovering over the water or diving into it to catch their prey.
Terns are usually white, gray, or black in color, with some species having distinctive black markings on their heads or underparts. They are relatively small birds, with a body length of 20-30 cm and a wingspan of 40-60 cm.
☛ Moorhen
The Moorhen, also known as the Common Gallinule, is a species of waterbird that is found throughout much of the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Moorhens are medium-sized birds that are closely related to the common coot, and are easily recognized by their distinctive appearance and behavior. They have a plump body, short tail, and long, reddish legs and toes that are adapted for swimming and wading in shallow water. Moorhens have a distinctive, dark plumage with a metallic green sheen on their back, wings, and tail, and a white underbelly.
Moorhens feed on a variety of aquatic plants and animals, including insects, snails, and small fish, and are known for their agility in the water, diving and diving for food. Moorhens are also known for their aggressive behavior and territorial calls, which they use to defend their nests and territories from other birds. Moorhens build floating nests among reeds and other aquatic vegetation, and lay a clutch of 4-12 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Moorhens are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers, and are common and widespread throughout their range. The Moorhen is not considered to be threatened or endangered, although some populations may be impacted by habitat loss, hunting, and other environmental factors.
☛ Spoonbill
A Spoonbill is a type of wading bird that belongs to the family Threskiornithidae. Spoonbills are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a long, narrow bill that is broad and flat at the end, giving it the appearance of a spoon. Spoonbills are usually white or pink in color, and they have long legs, a long neck, and a small head. They are relatively large birds, with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters in some species. They use this bill to filter food from the water as they wade. Spoonbills feed mainly on small aquatic animals such as crustaceans, insects, and small fish.
☛ Grebe
A Grebe is a type of waterbird that belongs to the order Podicipediformes. There are several different species of grebes, which are found throughout the world, in freshwater and saltwater habitats.
Grebes are small to medium-sized birds that are well-adapted to life in the water. Grebes are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a long neck, a narrow body, and a rounded head. They have dense feathers, which help them float, and webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. They feed primarily on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
☛ Goose
A Goose is a type of large waterbird that belongs to the family Anatidae, which also includes ducks and swans. They are known for their long necks, broad bodies, and webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers and divers. Geese are highly social birds and often form large flocks.
☛ Pintail
Pintail, also known as the Northern Pintail, is a species of dabbling duck that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a long-necked, slender bird that is known for its distinctive long, narrow tail feathers, which give it its common name.
Pintail is a migratory bird, breeding in northern regions in the summer and wintering in southern areas. They are found in a variety of habitats, including freshwater marshes, lakes, and ponds, and feed on a wide range of food, including plants, seeds, and small aquatic animals.
Male Pintails have a striking appearance, with a brown head, neck, and back, a white belly, and a green-black iridescent patch on their shoulders. Female Pintails are more subdued in color, with a mottled brown and gray plumage.
☛ Sandpiper
Sandpipers are a large and diverse group of shorebirds that are found throughout the world. They are named for their distinctive running and probing action along the shoreline, as they search for food. Sandpipers belong to the family Scolopacidae, which includes over 200 species of birds.
Sandpipers are migratory birds that breed in northern regions and winter in the southern hemisphere. They are adapted to a variety of habitats, including mudflats, beaches, and wetlands, and feed on a wide range of food, including insects, crustaceans, and small mollusks.
Sandpipers are also important indicators of the health of wetland and shoreline habitats, as they are sensitive to changes in water quality and availability. They are also important members of the food chain, serving as prey for birds of prey and other predators, as well as helping to control populations of insects and other invertebrates.