Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

The Great Shearwater (Ardenna gravis) is a large seabird that belongs to the Procellariidae family. It has a wingspan of approximately 95-105 cm and a body length of 46-51 cm. This species is known for its impressive long-distance migrations, traveling from breeding grounds in the southern hemisphere to foraging areas in the North Atlantic. Great Shearwaters are skilled oceanic flyers and are often seen gliding effortlessly over the waves. Their diet primarily consists of fish and squid, which they catch by plunge-diving. During the breeding season, they nest in burrows on remote islands and coastal cliffs. The global population of Great Shearwaters faces threats from fisheries bycatch and habitat degradation, leading to their classification as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Open ocean, coastal cliffs