An aquatic bird is a species that thrives in water habitats such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. These birds have unique physical adaptations that enable them to swim, dive, or hunt in aquatic environments. Some common synonyms for "aquatic bird" include waterbird, waterfowl, sea bird, shorebird, and wading bird. Waterbirds are further categorized into species that spend most of their time on water, such as ducks, geese, and swans, and those that dive into water to catch prey, such as pelicans, cormorants, and gulls. Shorebirds are known for their long legs and beaks that help them wade through shallow water to search for food. Regardless of their type, aquatic birds are essential to aquatic ecosystems and have a significant impact on their surrounding environment.