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Grebes (/ ˈ ɡ r iː b z /) are aquatic diving birds in the order Podicipediformes (/ ˌ p ɒ d ɪ s ɪ ˈ p ɛ d ɪ f ɔːr m iː z /). [1] Grebes are widely distributed freshwater birds, with some species also found in marine habitats during migration and winter. Most grebes fly, although some flightless species exist, most notably in stable ...
Bird ringing is the term used in the UK and in some other parts of Europe, while the term bird banding is more often used in the U.S. and Australia. [49] bird strike The impact of a bird or birds with an airplane in flight. [50] body down The layer of small, fluffy down feathers that lie underneath the outer contour feathers on a bird's body. [51]
In this list of birds by common name 11,278 extant and recently extinct (since 1500) bird species are recognised. [1] Species marked with a "†" are extinct. Contents
The European Anglophone name "diver" comes from the bird's habit of catching fish by swimming calmly along the surface and then abruptly plunging into the water. The North American name "loon" likely comes from either the Old English word lumme, meaning lummox or awkward person, or the Scandinavian word lum meaning lame or clumsy. Either way ...
Plunge-diving is a special form of foraging that involves a transition from air to water. [citation needed] Plunge-diving birds are notable for their beaks, necks, and morphing wings. Plunge-diving birds generally have a higher beak angle ratio than others. [5] Beak angle ratio is defined as the top angle divided by the side angle.
Dives usually last less than one minute, but the bird swims underwater for distances of over 30 m (100 ft) on a regular basis. Diving depths up to 180 m (590 ft) have been recorded, [24] and birds can remain underwater for a couple of minutes.
Some diving birds may aid diving by beginning with a plunge from the air, but for the most part petrels are active divers and use their wings to move around under the water. The depths achieved by various species were determined in the 1990s and came as a surprise to scientists; short-tailed shearwaters have been recorded diving to 70 m (230 ft ...
The four diving petrels are the smallest procellariids with lengths of around 20 cm (7.9 in) and wingspans of 33 cm (13 in). They are compact birds with short wings that are adapted for use under water. They have a characteristic whirring flight and dive into the water without settling.