Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

Manx Shearwater

Quick Facts

Classification

Scientific name:

Puffinus puffinus

Family:

Petrels and shearwaters

Conservation status:

Amber

Measurements

Length:

30cm to 38cm

Wingspan:

76cm to 82cm

Weight:

350g to 450g

Other birds in the Petrels and shearwaters family

About the Manx Shearwater

The Manx shearwater is a small member of the shearwater family. They have black upperparts, white lower parts and long and straight wings.

This shearwater flies with a series of swift, stiff beats to the wings over the seas surface.

These birds breed in colonies in the UK, usually offshore on islands - this is because it's clear of rats and other ground predators that pose a risk.

What does a Manx Shearwater eat?

Their diets consist of fish, particularly herrings, sprats and sardines.

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Other birds in the Petrels and shearwaters family

Storm Petrel

Sooty Shearwater

Leach's Petrel

Great Shearwater

Fulmar

Although gull-like in size, fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) are related to the albatross and spend extended periods of time at sea, gliding over the Arctic waters where they feed in large flocks. They only come inland to breed, establishing extensive colonies on rocky clifftop ledges.

Balearic Shearwater

Balearic Shearwaters are one of the rarest birds in Europe and are one of the two bird species listed as Critically Endangered.

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