Puffinus puffinus
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.
Length
30cm to 38cm
Wingspan
71cm to 83cm
Weight
350g to 575g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
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:
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