Definition

Noun: A bird that lives near, on, or over the sea, obtaining its food from coastal waters and the open ocean. Seabirds are adapted to a marine environment.

Usage

The word "seabird" is used to categorize birds based on their habitat and feeding ecology. It is a common, general term. * The island is a sanctuary for many species of seabird. * Oil spills pose a significant threat to seabird populations. * We watched the seabirds diving for fish.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective term: "Seabird" can refer to the entire avian community associated with the marine environment.
  • The health of the seabird community is an indicator of ocean productivity.
• In scientific/ecological contexts: Used to discuss adaptations, conservation, and the role of these birds in marine ecosystems.
  • The study focused on seabird foraging behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Seabirds (plural noun): The standard plural form.
• Sea bird (noun): A less common, open compound form with the same meaning.
• Marine bird (noun): A formal synonym.
• Oceanic bird (noun): Emphasizes birds of the open ocean.

Synonyms

• Marine bird
• Oceanic bird
• Pelagic bird (specifically for birds of the open sea)

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Seabird colony: A large group of seabirds nesting together.
  • We visited a noisy seabird colony on the cliffs.
• Seabird species: Refers to a specific type of seabird.
  • Albatrosses are a well-known seabird species.
• Seabird guano: The excrement of seabirds, often used as fertilizer.
  • The cliffs were white with seabird guano.

Noun

1. a bird that frequents coastal waters and the open ocean: gulls; pelicans; gannets; cormorants; albatrosses; petrels; etc.