Water birds are graceful and adept as we watch them gliding, bobbing and diving. Once they're out of the water, it's another story. On land, they look awkward as they waddle on short legs and webbed feet.

Water birds are wonderfully adapted to their aquatic lives. Their feet function as paddles and their feathers are constructed to be waterproof and air tight. Water birds are precocial: from the time they hatch, they are feathered, have their eyes open and are capable of feeding themselves. Their parents guard them, keep them warm and teach them how to swim and where to find food. Dive into the world of water birds and find out more!