Manx Shearwater
Least ConcernPuffinus puffinus
Visual Identification
Manx Shearwater
Appearance
The Manx Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird with distinctive black upperparts and white underparts. Its long, narrow wings and streamlined body are adaptations for efficient gliding over ocean waves. The bird has a dark bill, slightly hooked at the tip, and pink legs with black webbed feet.
There is no significant difference in appearance between males and females, although females are slightly smaller on average. Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage. The bird maintains its plumage year-round, with no seasonal variations.
Size
Length
30cm to 38cm
Wingspan
71cm to 83cm
Weight
350g to 575g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Manx Shearwaters breed on islands in the North Atlantic, with major colonies in the UK, Ireland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to the South Atlantic, reaching as far as the coasts of Brazil and Argentina.
These birds are pelagic, spending most of their time over open ocean waters. They come to land only to breed, nesting on remote, often treeless islands with soft soil for burrowing.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Manx Shearwaters primarily feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They hunt by diving from the air or swimming, using their wings to 'fly' underwater. Small schooling fish (about 6 in/15 cm long) like herring, pilchards, and sprats are their regular prey.
These birds often follow fishing vessels to scavenge discards and are known to feed in association with other marine predators like dolphins.
Behaviour
Manx Shearwaters are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea. They are known for their distinctive flight pattern, alternating between rapid wingbeats and long glides just above the water's surface.
These birds are social, often seen in large flocks during migration and forming dense colonies during the breeding season.
Vocalisation
Manx Shearwaters are usually silent at sea but vocal at their breeding colonies. Their calls are described as eerie, wailing sounds, often likened to a human baby crying.
The most common call is a series of croaks and wheezes, typically rendered as 'ka-ka-ka-kow-kow'. These vocalisations are primarily heard at night at breeding sites.
Nesting & Breeding
Manx Shearwaters form long-term pair bonds and return to the same breeding sites annually. The breeding season typically begins in March or April. These birds are nocturnal on their breeding grounds, likely an adaptation to avoid predation.
They nest in burrows, which they dig themselves or occupy existing rabbit holes. The female lays a single white egg. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 51 days.
The chick is fed by both parents and remains in the burrow for about 70 days before fledging. Young birds typically return to breed at the colony where they were born after spending 3-5 years at sea.
Lifespan
years
The Manx Shearwater typically lives for 25 to 50 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Manx Shearwaters face threats from introduced predators on breeding islands, light pollution, and marine pollution.
Conservation efforts focus on predator control in breeding colonies and reducing plastic waste in oceans. Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems are a growing concern for this species.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
1,026,000 - 1,177,500 individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Manx Shearwaters from coastal headlands during spring and autumn migrations
- Observe their characteristic flight pattern: low over the waves with stiff wings
- Join pelagic birdwatching trips for the best chance to see them at sea
- They are difficult to spot on land since they only return to their nests at night, but large numbers gather offshore before dark
- You may be able to spot them from high vantage points along the west coast of the UK in spring and summer, especially when onshore winds bring them closer to shore
- In the UK, visit breeding colonies on islands like Skomer or Rum at night to hear their eerie calls
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Manx, Manks Shearwater
Family:
ProcellariidaePredators
Main predators include large gulls, skuas, and introduced mammals such as rats and cats on breeding islands. Peregrine falcons occasionally prey on adults.
Did You Know?
- Manx Shearwaters can live for over 50 years, making them one of the longest-lived wild birds.
- They can dive up to 55 meters deep to catch prey.
- These birds return to their breeding colonies in complete darkness, navigating by smell and sound.
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FAQs
Why are Manx Shearwaters so-called?
Manx Shearwaters are named after the Isle of Man, where they once bred in great numbers. They still nest there, although the original colony collapsed after a wrecked ship introduced rats to the island over two centuries ago.
Is a Manx Shearwater a Puffin?
The Manx Shearwater is not a Puffin, although its scientific name (Puffinus puffinus) certainly creates that impression! Shearwaters are from the Procellariidae family, while Puffins are from the Alcidae family.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Puffinus puffinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22698226A132636603.
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