Albatrosses

Because albatrosses, and indeed all tubenoses, remain out at sea for days or weeks while foraging, these birds must be physiologically capable of drinking seawater without harm. The potentially serious problem of salt/fluid balance is resolved by means of specialized internal glands located at the base of the bill. These glands help regulate the blood salt content, which rises following ingestion of seawater, by producing a concentrated, salty fluid, which drips out of the tube on top of the bill. All tubenoses have the habit of sneezing and shaking their head frequently to clear this fluid.