Persian Shearwater

Puffinus persicus

The Persian Shearwater (Puffinus persicus) is a medium-sized seabird found in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It has a dark brown plumage with a white underbelly and a distinctive black cap on its head. These birds are highly adapted for marine life, with long, narrow wings and a streamlined body that allows them to glide effortlessly over the water. They are skilled fliers and can often be seen diving and skimming the waves in search of small fish and squid. Persian Shearwaters nest in colonies on remote islands and coastal cliffs, where they excavate burrows to lay their eggs. Despite their widespread distribution, their population size and trends are not well known, and they are currently classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN.

Habitat: Coastal waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman