Tubenose

A tubenose is a seabird belonging to the order Procellariiformes, characterized by distinctive, tube-like nostrils situated on top of its beak. This unique feature aids in their olfactory abilities, allowing them to detect prey and locate breeding colonies across vast ocean expanses. These birds, often referred to as 'tubenoses,' encompass albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, and fulmars. They exhibit a range of adaptations for a pelagic lifestyle, including strong wings for gliding, waterproof plumage, and the ability to drink seawater, excreting the salt through their nasal tubes.

Tubenose meaning with examples

• The naturalist pointed out the characteristic tubenose nostrils of the albatross, highlighting their crucial role in navigation across the open ocean. These birds use them to sense the scent of krill miles away. Their remarkable sense of smell helps them find food.
• Storm petrels, a type of tubenose, flitted over the waves, their delicate forms silhouetted against the setting sun. They seemed to float and rarely touched the water's surface. Their tube noses were almost invisible.
• Researchers studying the migration patterns of the shearwater, a common tubenose, utilized the bird's nasal passages to understand their food location. The ability to detect fish-scents is vital. The collected samples are quite important.
• The weathered sailor described the fulmar, another tubenose, as a harbinger of storms, citing their uncanny ability to appear before turbulent weather. Their nasal passages are like weather instruments.