Basic Description
The Surfbird is a small shorebird that measures about 9-10 inches in length and weighs around 2.5 ounces. These birds have a distinct appearance with their dark brown feathers, white underparts, and grayish-brown legs. Their beaks are short and slightly curved downward, which they use to forage for food along the rocky intertidal zones.
Where To Find This Bird
Surfbirds breed in Alaska during the summer months but migrate southward towards coastal areas of North America during winter. They can also be found across parts of Asia such as Russia and Japan. Surfbirds are known to inhabit rocky seashores near the ocean where they feed on mollusks, crustaceans, insects or fish.
Habitat
Surfbirds live primarily in wetland environments such as shoreline mudflats, estuaries or tidal pools that provide them ample supply of prey items throughout the year. The bird’s camouflage allows it to blend into its natural environment making it harder for predators to spot them from afar.
Food
As mentioned earlier surfbirds primarily feed on mollusks like mussels, snails or limpets found along rocky shores by using their specialized bills to pry open shells while other species may eat insects or small fish depending on what’s available at any given time.
Cool Facts
– Surfbirds belong to an exclusive group of birds called “high-arctic migrants” who breed only once a year due to extreme weather conditions.
– During migration season surfbirds fly hundreds if not thousands miles without stopping until reaching their final destination.
– Male surfbirds tend to have larger territories than females since they’re more aggressive when defending nesting sites against potential predators.
– Surfbirds are known to make distinctive calls that allow them to communicate with other birds in their flock.
