Birds that scoop up fish from the water do so in a variety of amazing ways. Different species have evolved specialized physical adaptations and hunting techniques to allow them to catch fish. In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic fishing birds and how they manage to snatch fish from lakes, rivers and oceans.
Osprey
The osprey is a large raptor that is found on every continent except Antarctica. It is well-known for its fishing abilities and its spectacular diving technique. Ospreys have several physical adaptations that aid their fish hunting:
- Sharp talons – Osprey talons are large and curved, with small barbs to help them grip slippery fish.
- Reversible outer toe – Ospreys can rotate one of their toes backwards to get a better grip on prey.
- Dense oily plumage – Their feathers are tightly packed and oily, which helps reduce drag when diving.
- Nictitating membrane – Ospreys have a clear third eyelid which protects their eyes when hitting the water.
To catch fish, ospreys soar high above the water looking for telltale reflections or ripples indicating fish presence. Once a target is acquired, the osprey folds its wings back and plunges down in a steep dive, feet first. They can dive from over 90 feet, hitting the water at around 50mph. On impact, their feet punch through the surface and the talons ensnare any fish beneath. Ospreys have one of the highest fish hunting success rates at around 70-80%.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is another large raptor with renowned fishing skills. Found throughout North America, bald eagles inhabit areas near large bodies of water where fish are abundant. Their key physical features for fishing include:
- Large, powerful talons
- Curved beak for tearing fish
- Excellent eyesight to spot fish near water surface
Bald eagles generally adopt a strategy called “perch hunting”. They scout from an elevated riverside perch, searching for fish swimming near the surface. Once spotted, they swoop down, flaring their wings before impact to brake. Their talons pierce the water, ensnaring fish as large as 3-4lbs. Bald eagles also opportunistically steal fish from smaller ospreys.
Pelicans
Pelicans may not seem like nimble hunters, but they have some remarkable adaptations that enable them to scoop fish up in huge quantities. There are 8 living pelican species found on every continent besides Antarctica. The most widespread is the American white pelican. Key fishing adaptations include:
- Huge stretchy throat pouch – Pelicans have an elastic pouch that can hold up to 3 gallons of water and fish.
- Webbed feet for surface plunging – Their wide webbed feet slap the water’s surface to corral fish.
- Hooked bill to catch fish – The long bill has a hook at the end to snatch slippery fish.
Pelicans will float on the water in groups, all facing the same direction. They splash their feet and beat their wings to herd fish into a tight “bait ball”. The pelicans then dip their pouches down vertically to scoop up fish and water. The pouch is drained back up leaving the fish trapped inside to swallow. An amazing adaptation!
Herons
Herons are wading birds found throughout the Americas, Eurasia, Africa and Australasia. They occupy lakes, rivers, coasts and wetlands. With their long legs and necks, herons utilize a patient stalking approach to snatch up fish.
Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is North America’s largest heron species, standing over 4 feet tall. They move slowly through shallow water searching for small fish with their telescopic vision. Great blues have a number of useful fishing adaptations:
- Long neck for striking from a distance
- Spear-like bill to impale prey
- Patience to remain still for long periods
- Lightning reflexes to grab fish
Herons stab down quickly with their bill to grab unsuspecting fish. They will also stir up mud with their feet to expose hiding bottom fish. Spearing larger fish can be a struggle, with the heron attempting to subdue prey and position it right in their throat for swallowing.
Green Heron
The diminutive green heron employs a unique fishing technique called baiting. Measuring just over 1 foot tall, they are found from Canada to the Caribbean. As they stand motionless at water’s edge, they’ll actively lure in fish using insects, crumbs or other bait. When a fish draws near, they strike with a rapid jab of their bill. This innovative strategy allows them to catch small fish that are wary of heron shadows above.
Kingfishers
Kingfishers are a family of small to medium sized birds found globally near waterways. With their compact shape and short tails, kingfishers are ideally adapted for diving into water to catch fish.
Belted Kingfisher
This blue-gray kingfisher measuring 10-14 inches is ubiquitous across North America. Unique adaptations that aid its fishing abilities include:
- Stout, triangular bill for spearing
- Short wings providing rapid flight
- Rattling call to startle prey
- Protective nictitating membrane
Belted kingfishers hunt by perching overhangs above water, continually bobbing their heads to spot movement. Once detected, they perform a steep dive straight down, piercing the water headfirst. Mostly small fish are taken, though kingfishers sometimes choke attempting to swallow larger fish sideways.
Pied Kingfisher
This sociable African kingfisher exhibits a fascinating group fishing behavior. A flock of 5-7 birds will fly along a shoreline, calling loudly. Some act as sentries, while others dive down when fish are seen. Hunting together enables them to corner larger prey in a coordinated pincer attack.
Cormorants
Cormorants are medium-large waterbirds with hook-tipped bills found across continents. They possess key adaptations that transform them into pursuit diving champions.
- Streamlined body profile
- Webbed feet for propulsion
- Wettable plumage without preen oil
- Changeable buoyancy from air sacs
By varying the amount of air in special sacs, cormorants can dive deep underwater and swim fast after fish. Small preys are swallowed underwater before the cormorant returns to the surface. Bigger fish are carried in the bill up for swallowing above water. Cormorants are such effective divers they are utilized for traditional fishing in China and Japan.
Great Cormorant
This common Eurasian species can dive over 30 meters deep chasing fish. Great cormorants often work together to herd fish into shallower water for easier fishing. Their wettable plumage means they must stand with wings outstretched to dry afterwards.
Anhingas
Anhingas are a closely related to cormorants, with 4 living species found in warmer regions worldwide. Sometimes called “snakebirds”, anhingas swim with just their sinuous necks above water. Adaptations enabling their fishing prowess include:
- Razor-sharp beak for spearing
- Long neck and small head profile
- Flexibile body for quick changes of direction
- Webbed feet provide propulsion
Anhingas stalk shallow waters slowly, then dart their head forward with lightning speed to stab fish on their bill. They swallow small fish underwater, coming up to toss and reposition larger prey. Like cormorants, anhingas have wettable feathers and are often seen spreading their wings to dry.
Pelagic Seabirds
Pelagic seabirds live their lives out at sea, coming to land only to breed. Amazing ocean travelers, they use a variety of techniques to snatch fish from the waves.
Northern Gannet
These large seabirds breed on remote islands and coastal cliffs. Gannets perform stunning plunging dives from heights over 100 feet to catch prey. Specialized adaptations include:
- Streamlined body with long wingspan
- Nostrils closed during dives
- Air sacs cushion impact
- Spear-like bill to catch fast fish
Gannets cruise high above, scanning for fish near the surface with their super-vision. They fold back their wings when diving, piercing the ocean at up to 60mph while protected by their air sacs. Northern gannets consume up to 4.5lbs of fish daily.
Arctic Tern
This small seabird makes the longest migration of any animal, flying from Arctic to Antarctic annually. Terns plunge dive from midair into schools of small fish and shrimp. Unique adaptations include:
- Streamlined body and long wings
- Plunge diving up to 1 meter deep
- Partially webbed feet
- Sensitive bill tip to detect prey
Terns hover above water until fish are spotted by sight or vibration. They then dive headfirst to catch prey in their bill tip, penetrating slightly below the surface. Arctic terns consume large quantities of small seafood during their nonstop global wanderings.
Wading Birds
Many species of long-legged wading birds are adept at catching fish in marshes and shallows. Their tall stature allows them to spot and strike fish from above.
Great Egret
These elegant white herons feed actively on fish, frogs and insects in the water margins. Great egrets hunt by patiently standing still and stalking prey. Key fishing adaptations include:
- Keen eyesight to detect movement
- Fast reflexes to spear fish
- Long legs to wade in deeper water
- Long neck to strike before fish escape
Great egrets often work together to herd fish into shallower pools for easier catching. A quick jab of their long bill secures fish onto the sharp point for swallowing. Great egrets are a common sight slowly stalking shorelines across North America.
Great Blue Heron
This majestic heron uses a patient approach to hunt fish from above. Specially adapted features include:
- Telescopic vision to spot prey
- Lightning reflexes to grab fish
- Long legs enabling it to wade deeply
- Strong spear-like bill
Herons stand motionless allowing fish to venture near. They then strike with lightning speed, impaling fish on their dagger-like bill. With intense concentration, herons slowly reposition large fish in their throat to be swallowed head first.
Bird | Length | Wingspan | Habitat | Fish Capture Method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Osprey | 21-24 in | 59-70 in | Coastlines, lakes, rivers | Plunge diving |
Bald Eagle | 28-40 in | 72-96 in | Near water with fish, lakes, coasts | Swoop down from perch |
Pelican | 45-65 in | 95-115 in | Coastal areas, lakes | Group herding into pouches |
Heron | 18-54 in | 26-79 in | Marshes, wetlands, shorelines | Standing stalking |
Kingfisher | 7-17 in | 11-25 in | Alongside rivers, lakes | Dive from perch |
Cormorant | 26-40 in | 43-65 in | Coastlines, lakes, rivers | Pursuit diving |
Anhinga | 33-38 in | 37-45 in | Shallow lakes, swamps | Spearing |
Gannet | 36-40 in | 74-85 in | Oceans and coasts | Plunge diving |
Tern | 8-16 in | 20-29 in | Oceans, coastal areas | Plunge diving |
This table summarizes key measurements, habitats and fish capture strategies for some of the main fishing bird groups described. It illustrates the diversity of adaptations suited to each species’ ecology and prey items.
Conclusion
Birds display an astonishing variety of specialized behaviors and physical adaptations that enable them to catch fish across diverse aquatic habitats. Plunge diving raptors like ospreys and gannets target fish from above with their streamlined bodies and sharp grasping talons. Wading ambush predators including herons and egrets patiently stalk shallows to spear prey with their bills. Cormorants and anhingas are pursuit divers, using their webbed feet and changeable buoyancy to chase fish underwater. Pelicans work together, beating wings and feet to herd fish into their elastic throat pouches. Whether grabbing, scooping, plunging or spearing, different bird groups have evolved unique but effective strategies to snatch up fish.