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Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

Soaring vast ocean expanses, this remarkable seabird can clock over a million air miles in its lifetime, returning each year to its coastal breeding grounds.
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Visual Identification

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

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Manx Shearwater can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Manx Shearwater is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Manx 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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 95

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Manx Shearwater exhibits exceptional agility, with its distinctive flight pattern of rapid wingbeats and long glides just above the water's surface. Its ability to 'fly' underwater whilst hunting further demonstrates its remarkable manoeuvrability in both air and water.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong for its size, the Manx Shearwater possesses sufficient strength to dive up to 55 metres deep for prey and to dig its own burrows for nesting. Its endurance in long-distance migration also suggests a robust physical constitution.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

The Manx Shearwater shows high adaptability, thriving in both temperate and tropical climates during its annual cycle. Its ability to navigate vast oceanic distances, utilise various feeding strategies, and breed on remote islands demonstrates significant adaptive capabilities.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally not considered an aggressive species, Manx Shearwaters are social birds often seen in large flocks. However, they may display some aggression in defending nesting burrows or competing for food resources, particularly when following fishing vessels.

Endurance 98

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Manx Shearwater's endurance is truly remarkable. Its long-distance migrations between the North and South Atlantic, coupled with its ability to spend most of its life at sea, showcase extraordinary stamina. Additionally, its potential lifespan of over 50 years in the wild is a testament to its resilience and endurance.

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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

Average Lifespan

25 to 50 years

Predators

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?

  1. Manx Shearwaters can live for over 50 years, making them one of the longest-lived wild birds.
  2. They can dive up to 55 meters deep to catch prey.
  3. These birds return to their breeding colonies in complete darkness, navigating by smell and sound.

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. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Puffinus puffinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22698226A132636603.

    View source

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