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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I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
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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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I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
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Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
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Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
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