Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

The Short-tailed Shearwater, also known as the muttonbird, is a medium-sized seabird with a wingspan of approximately 85-95 cm. It has a dark brown plumage on its upperparts and a white underbelly. This species is known for its remarkable migration, traveling from breeding grounds in the southern hemisphere to feeding areas in the northern Pacific. Short-tailed Shearwaters breed in burrows on remote islands and coastal areas, often forming large colonies. They are skilled fliers and are known for their distinctive moaning calls. These birds play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, feeding on fish and squid. However, they face threats from climate change, pollution, and fisheries.

Habitat: Marine and coastal areas

Short-tailed Shearwater
Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

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