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2015/01/31

SEASHORE : Cliff Birds



SEASHORE


CLIFF BIRDS


Puffin

The Puffin lives far out to sea, except 
in the  breeding season. It nests in colonies 
in burrows on turfy cliff top and islands. 
It has a bright bill in the summer.



Cormorant

This bird is seen mainly near the sea, but
can sometimes be seen inland on lakes and
reservoirs. Its wings are not waterproof, so
you may see it holding them out to dry.

Black Guillemot

Guillemot

 The Guillemot perches on bare ledges without
a nest. It lays a single egg straight onto the cliff
ledge. The eggs are pear-shaped, so that they
spin when knocked, so that they do not roll off.



Herring Gull

As well as on the cliffs, the Herring Gull
sometimes nests on the ground and even on
buildings. It is noisy and is often seen inland,
as well as on coasts, where it scavenges for food.

The Common Shag

Shag

The crest on top of the Shag's head is only
seen in the breeding season, in the spring. 
It is found on Eastern Atlantic shores.

Fulmar on Sanday

Fulmar

The Fulmar looks like a gull, except it is
fatter and fluffier. It glides along on stiff wings,
and flies with short wing beats. It spends most of
its time out of sea, off Eastern Atlantic shores.



Razorbill

The Razorbill's flat sided beck makes it easy
to distinguish from other birds. It likes to
nest in colonies in the cliffs, though some
will nest on ledges with Guillemots. 



Kittiwake

This bird is a small gull and spends most of its time
out at sea, where it can be seen following ships.
 When breeding, it makes a nest of green
seaweed stuck to the cliff with mud.



Great Black-backed Gull

 This is a very large gull, with a wingspan of
1.5m. It is very aggressive and sometimes
 kills and eats other seabirds. It is usually
seen alone or in small numbers.

gannet

Gannet

Gannets can be seen out of sea, where
they dive headfirst from a great height into the
water to catch fish. They nest on rocky coasts, 
building messy nests around one meter apart.  

   Seeds of Knowledge