List of birds of the Houtman Abrolhos facts for kids
The Houtman Abrolhos is a group of islands located off the coast of Western Australia. These islands are a super important place for many different kinds of birds, especially seabirds! Think of it as a huge bird nursery and restaurant all in one.
About 90 different types of seabirds come here to breed and raise their young. But it's not just seabirds; you can also find three types of shorebirds and six types of land birds living on or visiting these islands. This makes the Houtman Abrolhos one of the most important bird areas in the world.
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Birds of the Abrolhos Islands
The Houtman Abrolhos islands are a special home for birds because they offer safe places to nest and plenty of food from the ocean. Many birds travel long distances to reach these islands, making them a vital stop on their journeys.
Birds found here can be grouped into a few main types:
- Seabirds: These birds spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to breed.
- Shorebirds: These birds usually live near the coast, often on beaches or in wetlands.
- Land birds: While the islands are small, some birds that usually live on the mainland can also be found here.
Seabirds: Ocean Travelers
Seabirds are amazing flyers and swimmers. They hunt for fish and other sea creatures in the ocean. The Houtman Abrolhos is a perfect spot for them because it's quiet and has lots of food.
Some of the seabirds you might find include:
- Albatrosses: These are some of the largest flying birds, known for their incredible wingspans. The Wandering albatross is one example that visits these waters.
- Petrels and Shearwaters: These birds often fly far out to sea. Examples include the Southern giant petrel and the Wedge-tailed shearwater, which is a common breeder here.
- Gannets and Cormorants: Birds like the Australasian gannet and Pied cormorant are excellent divers, plunging into the water to catch fish.
- Gulls and Terns: You'll see many types of gulls, like the Silver gull, and elegant terns, such as the Crested tern and Fairy tern, flying around the islands. The Lesser noddy is also very special here, as it breeds in large numbers.
Shorebirds: Coastal Dwellers
Shorebirds are often seen walking along the beaches and mudflats, looking for small insects and shellfish. They have long legs and beaks that help them find food in the sand and shallow water.
Some shorebirds that visit the Abrolhos include:
- Oystercatchers: Like the Pied oystercatcher, these birds use their strong, bright beaks to pry open shellfish.
- Plovers: Small, quick birds such as the Red-capped plover can be seen darting along the water's edge.
- Sandpipers and Godwits: Many different types of sandpipers and godwits, like the Bar-tailed godwit, migrate to the islands from far away.
Land Birds: Island Visitors
Even though the Abrolhos islands are small and mostly surrounded by ocean, some land birds also make their home there or visit occasionally.
These can include:
- Birds of Prey: Powerful hunters like the White-bellied sea eagle and Osprey can be seen soaring overhead, looking for fish or other prey.
- Parrots: Colorful birds such as the Galah and Little corella might be spotted on the islands.
- Smaller Birds: Other birds like the Willie wagtail and Silvereye also live among the island's plants.
The Houtman Abrolhos is truly a bird paradise, showing how important these islands are for protecting many different bird species.
Images for kids
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Terns, Pelsaert Island, 1895
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Aves de Houtman Abrolhos para niños
