Life Underwater

Marvels of Water and Sky: The Fascinating Lives of Turtles, Gulls, Swans, and Stilts

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Green Sea Turtle: Ancient Guardians of the Ocean

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are among the most remarkable creatures of the marine world. Weighing up to 700 pounds (315 kg) and measuring over 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length, these turtles have roamed the Earth's oceans for more than 100 million years, surviving mass extinctions and significant environmental shifts.

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Common Gull: The Intelligent Coastal Survivor

The common gull (Larus canus), also known as the mew gull, is a medium-sized seabird found across Europe, Asia, and North America. Unlike its more urbanized relatives, the common gull prefers quieter coastal areas, wetlands, and grasslands. With its slender build, pale gray back, and white underparts, it is a graceful presence along shorelines.

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Mute Swan: Elegance on the Water

The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a symbol of grace and beauty, often associated with serene lakes and romantic landscapes. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, mute swans are among the largest flying birds, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) and weighing up to 33 pounds (15 kg). Despite their name, they are not entirely mute, producing soft grunts, whistles, and hisses to communicate.

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Black-Winged Stilt: The Graceful Wader

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a striking wading bird known for its long, slender pink legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage. Found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, this bird is a true master of the water’s edge.

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