Waterbirds

Waterbirds are classified by the way they tend to group together in colonies during the nesting seasons and that they obtain almost all or all of their food from the water. Waterbirds are further split into two groups of Seabirds and Wading Birds.

Seabirds which are also called marine birds, oceanic birds, or pelagic birds feed primarily in saltwater. They are highly adapted to marine environments and some spend very little time on land.

Wading Birds look for prey in fresh or brackish water. Just like their name these birds like to look for food by wading or by standing very still in the water, patiently waiting for fish or other food to swim within a striking distance.
 
Great Blue Heron wading in water full of duckweed
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns are long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae.

Black and white drawing of a Spotted Sandpiper
Sandpipers

Sandpipers are a large family of waders or shorebirds. They have long bodies and legs with narrow wings.

A black and white illustration of a Killdeer.
Plovers and Lapwings

These birds are known for their slow, irregular wingbeat in flight and a shrill, wailing cry.

A Ring-billed Gull walking along the Shenandoah River.
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers are an adaptable group of mostly aerial birds that are found worldwide.

Last updated: August 27, 2019

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Mailing Address:

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Park Service
PO Box 65

Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Phone:

304 535-6029

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