12 Sea-Bird Species to Look for at the Beach

Whether you’re strolling a sandy shoreline or perched on a rocky outcrop, the seashore offers excellent chances to spot marine-adapted birds. These species thrive in coastal or open-ocean environments and often display remarkable behaviors. Here are twelve to keep an eye on:

Booby

Large diving seabirds found along the Pacific coast of North America and the Florida Keys. They plunge from great heights into water to catch prey.

Albatross

Among the largest seabirds, with wingspans up to around 10 feet. Multiple species orbit Pacific-coast waters, with breeding colonies in Alaska and Hawaii.

Skua

Predatory seabirds of the open ocean and shorelines. Two North American species: the great skua and the South Polar skua. They’re aggressive and opportunistic.

Brown Pelican

A well-recognised seabird with a long bill and large throat pouch. Found along U.S. coasts (Gulf, East, and West) though West Coast populations face higher conservation threats.

Frigatebird

Tropical seabirds with long, narrow wings and forked tails. Some species glide above warm-water seas and even snatch prey from the water’s surface.

Common Murre

Black-and-white seabirds that resemble flying penguins. They spend much of their lives on the open ocean, coming to land primarily to nest. Found Pacific and Northeastern coasts as well.

Double-Crested Cormorant

A diving bird common across North America in both fresh and salt water. Also inhabits coastal beach areas, rocky islands, docks.

Northern Gannet

Large white seabirds with golden crowns and black wingtips. They dive into the water in flocks for fish. Found along the East Coast and Gulf.

Northern Fulmar

Gliders of the open ocean, often in frigid regions (Arctic, northern Atlantic/Pacific). Related to albatrosses.

Petrel

Seabirds with tubular nostrils (tube-nose family) adapted to flying long distances over open sea. Some species may be observed off the shore.

Shearwater

Also tube-nose seabirds, many species live in large flocks far out at sea, feeding on fish schools. They only visit land during nesting or in storms.

American Herring Gull

Perhaps the most familiar seabird to many beachgoers in North America. Grey and white gulls common on both coasts, the Gulf, and adjacent inland regions during migration or winter.