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