Fluttering Shearwater
NameFluttering Shearwater
Common NameFluttering Shearwater
Scientific NamePuffinus gavia
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)71
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)375
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark sooty-brown on the upperparts, head, and upper breast, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. The underwings are white with dark margins, and the bill is slender and dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations at breeding colonies are varied, including cackling, cooing, and groaning calls, primarily heard at night. At sea, they are generally silent.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the waters around New Zealand, breeding on islands off the North Island and in the Marlborough Sounds.
Identifying FeaturesDark upperparts contrasting with white underparts, Distinctive rapid, shallow wingbeats in flight, Slender dark bill, Often seen in large flocks at sea
Description
The Fluttering Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its dark brown upperparts and clean white underparts. It is highly pelagic, spending most of its life at sea, feeding by pursuit-diving for small fish and marine invertebrates.
