Pelagic waters are the habitat of many birds that come to land only to breed. Pelagic Waters This habitat type constitutes waters offshore in areas past the edge of the continental shelves. These deep oceanic waters provide habitat for pelagic birds that spend most of their lives far from land. Albatrosses and storm petrel are characteristic […]
Coastal waters include an area of approximately 20 kilometers from the coastline. Coastal Waters Coastal waters include bays, estuaries, and other waters on continental shelves out to approximately 20 km from the shore. Most coastal seabirds are found within only a few kilometers from the coast. Most coastal seabirds forage for food within only a few
Typical bogs formation in the high Andes. Photo: Alfredo Begazo. Bogs Bogs are areas in the high Andes of poorly drained soils that contain water almost constantly, even during long droughts in the regions where they occur. Soils usually contain a layer of organic material called peat. A few Andean birds are strongly associated with
Typical stream on the foothill of the Andes. Streams Streams as habitat include courses of water of fewer than 10 meters in width. This habitat includes the overhanging vegetation found on stream sides, logs, boulders, other features within the portion of running water of a stream. A stream of fewer than 10 meters in width.
Aerial view of a typical Amazonian river. Photo: Alvaro del Campo. Rivers Rivers as habitat, include courses of running water with a width of 10 meters or more. This habitat includes the overhanging vegetation found along riverbanks, logs, branches protruding out of the water, and other features within the portion of the running water. River course
Freshwater lake in the high Andes. Freshwater Lakes and Ponds Freshwater lakes and ponds refer to the portion of water or water without emerging vegetation. Freshwater lakes and ponds are found from sea level to the high Andes. Vegetation at the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds varies from extensive areas of emerging vegetation along
Rocky beach and cliff in Ica-Peru. Coastal Rocky Beaches Coastal rocky beaches are found in areas where the ocean meets rocky formations, cliffs, or rocky outcrops. This habitat type can be extensive areas as well as isolated outcrops surrounded by the more extensive sand beaches. Coastal rocky beaches are constantly washed by the wave action
Marshes composed of mostly bulrushes (Scirpus sp.) in Lake Junin. Photo: Sernanp Freshwater Marshes Freshwater marshes are emerging or floating vegetation found at the edges of lakes, ponds, lagoons, and also in very slow moving watercourses. Vegetation in the freshwater marshes varies from region to region and elevation. Some freshwater marshes can be largely cattail
Riparian thickets along the Camana-Arequipa River. Photo: David Samata. Riparian Thickets Riparian thickets occupy the banks and floodplain of streams and rivers. This habitat type is composed of shrubs, scrub, grasses, and small trees. Riparian thickets grow in the desert areas and are bordered by no vegetation or vegetation adapted to dry conditions. On the dry
River island scrub growing on young river island on the Amazon River. River Island Scrub The river island scrub refers to vegetation that grows on newly formed sandbars and islands along the ever-changing Amazonian rivers. Sandbars can grow wider and become an island for many years or can also disappear after weeks of formation or after
