Tubenoses, also known as tubenose seabirds, are a group of seabirds that belong to the Procellariidae family. They are known for their distinctive tubular nostrils located above the bill, which are used for detecting food.
They are medium to large-sized birds, with most species measuring between 40-85 cm (16-33 inches) in length.
They have strong, hooked bills and webbed feet that are adapted for swimming and diving. They have a streamlined body shape that helps them to fly efficiently over long distances. They are typically gray, black, or white in color, with some species having distinctive markings or plumage patterns.
Tubenoses are found in marine habitats, typically living and breeding on remote islands or coastal cliffs. They are pelagic birds that spend most of their time at sea, only coming to land to breed or molt. They are found in all oceans of the world, with some species being more common in the northern or southern hemisphere.
Tubenoses feed primarily on fish and squid, which they locate by using their sense of smell. They are also known to eat krill, plankton, and other small marine organisms. They are able to forage over vast areas of ocean and can make use of a wide variety of prey species.
Tubenoses are known for their long-distance migration patterns, with many species traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding and non-breeding grounds. They are also known for their strong pair-bonding and monogamous breeding habits. They are highly territorial during breeding season and will defend their nesting sites from other seabirds.
There are around 22 species of tubenoses, divided into two subfamilies: the Procellariinae and the Diomedeinae.
The Procellariinae includes the petrels and the shearwaters, while the Diomedeinae includes the albatrosses. They are closely related to the frigatebirds, boobies, and gannets, which belong to the Sulidae family.
Many species of tubenoses are considered to be at risk of extinction due to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists several species as endangered or critically endangered, including the Short-tailed Albatross, the Chatham Albatross, and the Black-capped Petrel.