The Procellariidae family, encompassing fulmarine petrels, gadfly petrels, diving petrels, prions, and shearwaters, have a significant presence within the order Procellariiformes, also known as tubenoses, which includes albatrosses and storm petrels. With great diversity and numerous species, these seabirds range from the large giant petrels, comparable to albatrosses, to the much smaller diving petrels. Both male and female procellariids appear identical and typically exhibit muted colors such as black, white, brown, and gray within their plumage. These birds are predominantly adept swimmers and foragers, feeding on fish, squid, crustaceans, and sometimes scavenging leftovers from fisheries or carrion. They are efficient at long-distance foraging and many migrate across equatorial distances. When breeding, procellariids are known to show loyalty to both their partners and nesting sites, laying a single egg that both parents take turns incubating. Despite this, not all species fare well; while some procellariids have burgeoning populations, others are endangered, threatened by predation from introduced species in their breeding habitats and by bycatch in long-line fisheries. Historically, these birds have been exploited by humans for food and other uses, yet this practice persists on a more regulated scale today. Taxonomic studies have reshaped the understanding of their relationship within Procellariiformes, grouping the diving petrels into the same family due to genetic studies. Different procellariid groups are linked by characteristics such as skull features or diving abilities, and despite their varied appearances and habits, they share certain traits like weak legs and specific flight adaptations that assist them in their oceanic lives. They employ dynamic and slope soaring techniques to glide over waves and winds, with some species possessing a special shoulder-lock that aids in effortless flight. The family is spread across the world's oceans and undertakes remarkable migrations, but many species are restricted to isolated regions or specific latitudes. With well-developed senses, particularly for smell, they are able to locate their prey with astonishing accuracy. Though their relationship with humans has sometimes been detrimental, conservation efforts are underway to mitigate threats and protect the more vulnerable species.
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What Our Birders Say
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
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My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
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Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
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Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
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