Yes, there are a few species of birds that live underwater or spend the majority of their time there. The most notable examples are penguins, puffins, cormorants, and auks. While most birds live predominantly on land, these species have adapted in unique ways to thrive in aquatic environments.
Penguins
Penguins are the most widely recognized birds that live underwater. All 18 species of penguins live exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, with most species congregating in Antarctica. Penguins have evolved dense, overlapping feathers that keep them extremely warm and dry even in frigid waters. Their wings have become stiff, flat flippers that propel them swiftly through the water as they “fly” underwater while hunting fish, krill, and other prey. Their feet have webbing between the toes, providing surface area to help propel them underwater. Penguins can stay submerged for up to 20 minutes while hunting. They come ashore to breed and nest in large colonies.
Key Facts About Penguins
- There are 18 species of penguins.
- They live in the Southern Hemisphere, mostly in Antarctica.
- Dense feathers and stiff flipper-like wings help them swim underwater.
- Webbed feet provide propulsion underwater.
- They can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes while hunting.
- Penguins come ashore to breed and nest in colonies.
Puffins
Puffins are a group of seabirds comprising three species: the Atlantic puffin, the tufted puffin, and the horned puffin. These colorful birds spend most of their lives at sea, only coming ashore to breed. They have evolved to be excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to “fly” underwater as they hunt small fish, crustaceans, and other food. Their feet have webbing to help propel them. They can stay underwater for minutes at a time while hunting before resurfacing. When not swimming, puffins float on the water’s surface.
Key Facts About Puffins
- There are three species: Atlantic, tufted, and horned puffins.
- They spend most of their lives at sea.
- Their wings help them “fly” and swim underwater.
- Webbed feet provide propulsion.
- They can stay underwater for minutes while hunting.
- They float on the surface when not diving.
- Only come ashore to breed in colonies.
Cormorants
Cormorants are seabirds that live along coastlines around the world. There are about 40 species of cormorants, all of which are adept at diving and swimming underwater to catch fish. They have webbed feet for propulsion and waterproof plumage that prevents their feathers from getting waterlogged. Some species have feathers on their face that help shield their eyes as they swim underwater. Cormorants can dive down 30 meters (nearly 100 feet) to hunt for fish. They can stay submerged for over a minute. Some cormorants have adapted to live far inland along rivers, where they dive to catch fish.
Key Facts About Cormorants
- There are around 40 species living along coasts worldwide.
- Webbed feet propel them underwater.
- Waterproof feathers prevent getting waterlogged.
- Can dive up to 30 meters underwater.
- Stay submerged for over a minute while hunting.
- Some species live and dive along inland rivers.
Auks
Auks are a family of seabirds that includes murres, guillemots, auklets, and puffins. There are about 22 species of auks, most of which spend their lives out at sea, only coming to land to breed. Auks are expert swimmers and divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater as they pursue fish, crustaceans, and other prey. Their feathers are not fully waterproof, so they need to dry off after lengthy swims. Their feet are webbed, which provides surface area to propel them swiftly underwater as they dive down to hunt. Most species nest in large colonies on cliffs along coasts and islands.
Key Facts About Auks
- Family of seabirds including murres, guillemots, auklets, puffins.
- 22 species, spend lives at sea except for breeding.
- Skilled divers and swimmers, wings provide underwater propulsion.
- Feathers not waterproof, need to dry after swims.
- Webbed feet act as propellers underwater.
- Nest in dense colonies along rocky coasts/islands.
Unique Adaptations for Underwater Life
Penguins, puffins, cormorants, auks and other seabirds exhibit remarkable adaptations that allow them to thrive underwater. Here is an overview of their key adaptations:
| Adaptation | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dense, overlapping feathers | Interlocking feathers are highly waterproof and air-retaining | Insulation and waterproofing |
| Shorter wings stiffened into flippers | Rigid flippers act like underwater wings for propulsion | Maneuvering and speed underwater |
| Webbed feet | Toes connected by webbing for greater surface area | Provide propulsion and maneuverability |
| Nostrils that can close | Nasal passages seal off when diving | Prevent water entry while submerged |
| Slow heart rate while diving | Lower heart rate conserves oxygen | Stay underwater longer to hunt |
| Vision adapted for underwater | Able to see clearly underwater | Enhanced hunting ability |
Conclusion
Only a handful of bird species have adapted the unique characteristics required to live and hunt underwater for extended periods. Penguins, with their rigid flippers and dense feathers, are the most specialized for an aquatic life among birds. Puffins, cormorants, auks, and some others have also evolved bodies tailored to swimming, diving, and pursuing prey underwater. Their adaptations, from webbed feet to vision adjustments, allow them to thrive in their watery niches along coasts and islands.
