Pronunciation: [sˈiːbɜːdz] (IPA) 
Seabirds are a fascinating group of animals that live and breed near the sea. The spelling of the word "seabirds" is quite straightforward - it begins with the consonant cluster "s" and "b" as in /siːbɜːdz/. The second syllable features a long "i" sound as in /ˈbɜːds/ and ends with the consonant blend "ds". This word is made up of two syllables and can be broken down into "sea" and "birds", with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Seabirds are a group of birds that are specifically adapted to live in marine environments. These birds have evolved various physiological and behavioral characteristics that enable them to thrive in and around the sea. One distinguishing feature of seabirds is their strong, streamlined bodies, which aid in efficient flight and diving. They typically have long wingspans and are excellent fliers, capable of traveling long distances without tiring.
Seabirds have specialized adaptations for obtaining food from the sea. They possess sharp beaks that vary in shape and size depending on their diet, which can include fish, squid, krill, and other marine organisms. Some seabirds are skilled hunters, diving from great heights to catch their prey underwater, while others feed by skimming the water surface, dipping their beaks to snatch fish on the go.
These birds often breed and nest in large colonies, on remote islands or coastal cliffs, in order to minimize the risk of predation. Many seabirds have a complex reproductive cycle, involving elaborate courtship displays, pair bonding, and shared incubation duties between males and females.
Seabirds are found in all oceans and across different latitudes. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by transferring nutrients between the sea and land habitats. They also act as indicators of environmental health, as changes in their populations can reflect shifts in the availability and abundance of marine resources.
Seabirds are not only fascinating creatures but also valuable contributors to the ecological balance of our planet's oceans.
The word "seabirds" is a compound word that combines the noun "sea" with the plural form of the noun "bird".
The term "sea" originates from the Old English word "sǣ", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language. It is cognate with similar words in other Germanic languages like German "See" and Dutch "zee".
The word "bird" comes from the Old English word "brid", which is akin to the Old High German word "frit" and the Old Irish word "Én" among others. The origin of the word "bird" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language, and it is believed to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*bʰer-", meaning "to fly".
