Seabirds In Hurricanes

Illustrations and words Nick Sidle

Digital illustration

October 2025 – Hurricane Melissa still threatens the Caribbean having caused extreme damage in Jamaica already with wind speeds there of 185mph, the highest ever recorded and amongst the highest records for any storm anywhere. Tragically, there has been some loss of life although fortunately, through the work of the authorities, not many deaths have been reported although inevitably and tragically this number must rise as communications are restored. Disruption and damage however is extremely severe and the island will need the help of the international community to recover, as well as drawing on its own resources and the strength of its people.

One question being asked is whether the damage from Melissa is linked to climate change. The answer is, as always, not that simple. Meteorological records clearly show shifting climate across the world and in general a rise in average temperatures, the prediction from this is for an increase in severe weather events. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) at the UN has suggested however that the number of tropical storms has actually slightly decreased but the severity of those that happen is now significantly greater, with higher wind speeds and larger amounts of rainfall. This might be expected since Hurricanes draw their energy from the sea and sea temperatures are confirmed to be higher now, including around Jamaica. Models also suggested that with changing climate, hurricanes might move more slowly giving them longer to absorb energy from the warmer seas. Hurricane Melissa was noted for advancing at only 1-2mph, a notably slow speed for a tropical storm

Weather and Climate Extreme Events in a Changing Climate

Human-caused Ocean Warming has Intensified Recent Hurricanes

As well as the effects on people hurricanes can also have severe impacts on wildlife. Information on what has happened in Jamaica is yet to be reported, rightly the focus is on people, but it is possible that animals and habitats have suffered. Birds can of course move but only so far and with a storm the size of Melissa, that may not be far enough. Jamaica is known for its seabirds and the coasts are of course particularly exposed.

Digital illustration – Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis

Brown Pelicans have been observed to shelter and take cover when threatened by severe weather

What Do Birds Do in a Hurricane?

Digital illustration – Brown booby, Sula leucogaster

Sooty Terns follow a migration that puts them at risk from hurricanes in the Caribbean and in severe storms fatalities are recorded. It is also only after very strong winds that Sooty Terns are found inland having been literally blown there and away from the coast.

Migratory Seabird Deaths Linked to Hurricanes

Digital illustration – Brown booby, Sula leucogaster

Brown Boobies may even try and hunt around the edges of a storm but this can come at a huge cost. The species is known for being blown inland by hurricanes a long way from their real habitat. In these sightings they are known as ‘Hurricane Waifs”

Digital illustration – Magnificent Frigate Bird, Fregata magnificens

Frigatebirds try and escape a storm by flying to high altitudes to try and get above the disturbance. They have also been recorded trying to stay in the calm ‘eye of the storm’ till the winds ease.

Digital illustration