Socotra Cormorants in the Desert
In Socotra Cormorants in the Desert, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the desert of Bahrain. It is a safe place for seabirds to rear their young, but how do they cope with the heat and lack of food? Watch as seasonal winds blow fertilizing sand across the gulf waters, providing fish for the desert birds to eat. Along the way, they communicate by slapping their tails and fins against the surface of the water. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: What makes the Socotra cormorants a “spectacular exception” to life in tropical waters?
A: Most life is concentrated around the coral reefs and sea-grass meadows, but the birds breed in the desert of Bahrain.
Q: What are some drawbacks of breeding in the desert, and how do the birds overcome them?
A: It is swelteringly hot, so the birds pant vigorously. Offshore winds blow sand (carrying fertilizing nutrients) into the shallow gulf waters; this sustains fish for the birds to hunt.
Q: The birds build their nests “just beyond pecking reach” of their neighbors. Why do you think this is necessary?
A: Student responses will vary. Students may mention that adults might peck at others’ chicks to eliminate competition for food.
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