Buller's Shearwater
NameBuller's Shearwater
Common NameBuller's Shearwater
Scientific NameArdenna bulleri
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)98.5
Length (cm)44.5
Weight (g)420
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark grey-brown on the upperparts, contrasting sharply with clean white underparts. A prominent dark cap extends below the eye. The upperwings feature a distinctive 'M' pattern formed by darker primaries and secondary coverts against a paler inner wing and back.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, Buller's Shearwaters produce various cackling, croaking, and wailing calls at their breeding colonies, often described as a series of 'ka-ka-ka-ka-ow' or 'koo-koo-koo-er' notes.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds exclusively on the Poor Knights Islands off the coast of New Zealand. During the non-breeding season, it undertakes a trans-Pacific migration, ranging across the North Pacific Ocean, reaching waters off North America from Alaska to California.
Identifying FeaturesM-shaped wing pattern in flight, dark grey-brown upperparts with white underparts, dark cap extending below the eye, long, slender bill
Description
Buller's Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird known for its graceful flight over the open ocean. It exhibits a distinctive M-shaped pattern across its upperwings when viewed from above, making it identifiable at sea. This pelagic species primarily feeds on small fish and squid, diving from the surface to catch its prey.
