Shearwaters

Shearwaters are seabirds in the family Procellariidae, within the order Procellariiformes. They are medium- to large-sized birds with long, pointed wings and a tubular bill. They have salt glands and are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives over the open ocean and returning to land only to breed. Many species nest on remote oceanic islands, often in burrows or rocky crevices, and are typically nocturnal at colonies to avoid predators.

Foraging: They feed mostly on fish, squid, and crustaceans, taken at or just below the surface. They are accomplished fliers, using dynamic soaring and wave riding to cover large distances. Some species follow ships to feed on discards.

Reproduction: Most shearwaters lay a single egg per season. Incubation is lengthy and parental duties are shared. Chicks fledge after several weeks to months, depending on species.

Taxonomy and species: The group includes about two dozen species in the genera Puffinus and Ardenna, with well-known examples such as Manx shearwater, short-tailed shearwater, sooty shearwater, Balearic shearwater, and great shearwater.

Conservation: Threats include habitat loss on breeding islands, introduced predators, and bycatch in longline fisheries, as well as marine pollution. Several species are considered threatened, and conservation efforts focus on predator eradication, bycatch reduction, and protection of breeding sites.