Find Out 11 Birds that Swim Underwater to Catch Fish
Birds are often seen flying in the sky or hopping around trees. But not all birds can swim and dive underwater. Many of these birds eat fish, mollusks, and other marine creatures. They have special features that help them thrive in oceans and freshwater. Here are 11 birds that can swim underwater and their unique adaptations.
1. Ducks
Regular ducks float on ponds and can swim underwater for short distances, usually just a few feet. Diving ducks can dive deeper and stay underwater for a minute or more. Some examples are:
-
Eiders
-
Long-tails
-
Mergansers
They feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish, and insects while at the bottom of ponds.
2. Loons
Loons are expert swimmers. Their evolved traits allow them to dive and stay underwater easily. Key features include:
-
Dense bones for deep diving
-
Webbed feet for better propulsion
-
Characteristic red eyes for spotting prey
Loons can swim up to 20 miles per hour and hold their breath for up to five minutes.
Find Out 11 Birds that Swim Underwater to Catch Fish
3. Swans
Swans glide gracefully on water but are also powerful swimmers. They can cover great distances and dive briefly for food. They dip their upper bodies and extend their long necks to forage on aquatic plants.
4. Cormorants
If you see a bird diving into the waves, it might be a cormorant. These birds can dive deep and hold their breath for two minutes, reaching depths of over 100 feet. They swim by paddling with their large feet and can work together to drive fish into schools for easier hunting.
5. Gannets
Gannets can hold their breath for about 30 seconds and dive nearly 100 feet deep. They swim at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Gannets use their wings to dive and steer with their webbed feet. They often dive in groups to catch fish and bring their meals to the surface.
6. American Dippers
The American dipper is well adapted for diving and swimming underwater. They have strong wings and specialized toes for turning rocks to find food. These birds can dive, swim, and even walk along the streambed, looking for food.
7. Coots
Coots have remarkable feet that help them thrive in water. In shallow areas, they dip their heads to forage. In deeper water, they can dive and swim using their large feet. When they are ready to take off, they run along the water’s surface, flapping their wings as they go.
8. Penguins
When thinking of birds that swim underwater, penguins often come to mind. They can swim up to 25 miles per hour and can hold their breath for 30 minutes. Emperor penguins can even withstand low oxygen levels in their blood, giving them more time to hunt.
9. Pelicans
Pelicans are also skilled at swimming underwater. They can dive from heights of up to 100 feet to catch fish. Once they hit the surface, they scoop up food in their pouches. Pelicans can stay submerged for 20 minutes and dive to depths of 60 feet.
10. Puffins
Puffins may not hold their breath as long as penguins, but they can dive up to 300 feet. These birds often spend their days diving and swimming underwater for about 30 seconds. They can flap their wings up to 400 times per minute while swimming.
11. Diving Petrels
Diving petrels are seabirds that usually come to land only to breed. They prefer swimming over flying. With short, muscular wings, they can fly just above the water’s surface and dive more than 200 feet.
Unexpected Costs of Vet Visits
A visit to the vet can cost $1,500 or more for even minor issues like cuts or infections.
Lemonade has transformed pet insurance, cutting bills by 90%. With fast enrollment and quick payouts, you can save hundreds!
MD Imdadul Haque is the founder of BirdzFly, a research-backed resource on North American backyard birds. Drawing on years of independent study into bird identification, behavior, and migration patterns, he writes in-depth guides designed to help US birders understand the species in their own backyards — from common feeder visitors to seasonal migrants passing through.
