Great Shearwater
NameGreat Shearwater
Common NameGreat Shearwater
Scientific NameArdenna gravis
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)105
Length (cm)46
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsFeatures dark brown upperparts, white underparts, a distinct dark cap, and a white collar. It has a dark primary patch on the underwing and a white rump patch contrasting with a dark tail.
Vocalization / CallAt breeding colonies, Great Shearwaters produce a variety of loud, raucous calls, including cackles, squawks, and whistles. They are generally silent at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands in the South Atlantic (Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island). After breeding, it undertakes a massive migration, moving north through the Atlantic Ocean to spend the austral winter in the North Atlantic and Arctic waters.
Identifying Featuresdark cap, white collar, dark primary patch on underwing, white rump patch, long narrow wings, shearing flight pattern
Description
The Great Shearwater is a large, long-winged seabird known for its extensive trans-equatorial migrations. It exhibits a distinctive flight pattern, shearing low over the ocean waves. This pelagic species spends most of its life at sea, only coming ashore to breed.
