It's Important That These Birds Poop Only When They Fly

Like most of us, the streaked shearwater (Caolonectris leucomelas) poops every four to ten minutes. But, CTV News reports, where the streaked shearwater poops is specific and of tremendous ecological importance.

These seabirds live in dry islands off the Japanese mainland. They excrete about 5% of their body mass every hour. They do so while in flight over the sea, thus leaving their nitrogen and phosphorus-packed poop in the water. There are about 424 million birds in this species. Those numbers mean that a lot of streaked shearwater poop is in the sea, thus contributing to the ecosystem in ways that are essential to marine life.

-via Dave Barry | Photo: Tony Morris


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The streaked shearwater sheds up to 5% of its body mass as nutrient-rich droppings while in flight—an incredible adaptation that plays a vital role in sustaining marine ecosystems below.If you’re exploring meaningful career opportunities in social impact, check out the latest NGO roles at [pakistanjobs.pk/ngo-jobs/](https://www.pakistanjobs.pk/ngo-jobs/) —a great place to find purposeful work.
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