Black-vented Shearwater
NameBlack-vented Shearwater
Common NameBlack-vented Shearwater
Scientific NamePuffinus opisthomelas
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)82.5
Length (cm)34
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark sooty-brown on the upperparts, head, and neck, contrasting sharply with white underparts. There is often variable dark smudging on the flanks and undertail coverts. The underwing is mostly white with dark edges.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea. At breeding colonies, they produce various croaking, cackling, and moaning calls, primarily heard at night.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands off Baja California, Mexico. During the non-breeding season, it ranges along the Pacific coast of North America, primarily from Baja California north to central California, occasionally reaching further north.
Identifying FeaturesDark upperparts and white underparts, Dark smudging on flanks and undertail coverts, Slender body and long, narrow wings, Dark, slender bill, Flies low over water with stiff-winged glides
Description
A medium-sized seabird, the Black-vented Shearwater is characterized by its dark sooty-brown upperparts and contrasting white underparts. It is typically seen gliding low over the ocean surface with stiff wings, feeding on small fish and squid.
