Balearic Shearwater

Puffinus mauretanicus

This seafaring bird glides effortlessly over Mediterranean waves, its distinctive silhouette a familiar sight to coastal observers in Spain's Balearic Islands.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Balearic Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird with a streamlined body adapted for efficient flight over water. Its upperparts are predominantly dark brown, contrasting with a white underbody. The bird has a distinctive pale underwing with dark edges and 'armpit' patches.

There is no significant difference between males and females, although males are usually fractionally larger. Juveniles closely resemble adults, though they may appear slightly 'fresher-plumaged'.

Size

Length

35cm to 40cm

Wingspan

85cm to 90cm

Weight

480g to 535g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Balearic Shearwater can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Balearic Shearwater is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Balearic Shearwaters breed exclusively on Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. During the breeding season, they are found in coastal waters around these islands and along the nearby Spanish and North African coasts.

Post-breeding, they disperse widely into the Atlantic, with significant numbers reaching waters off the UK, Ireland, and France. Some birds venture as far north as the North Sea, while others move south along the West African coast.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Mediterranean, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Balearic Shearwater. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons