Scopoli's Shearwater
NameScopoli's Shearwater
Common NameScopoli's Shearwater
Scientific NameCalonectris diomedea
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)112.5
Length (cm)50.5
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark grey-brown, contrasting with clean white underparts. The head is a paler grey-brown, and the underwing coverts are white, contrasting with dark flight feathers. It has a distinctive yellowish bill with a dark tip.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations at breeding colonies are typically loud, raspy, and wailing calls, often described as cat-like, primarily heard at night.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds predominantly in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. During the non-breeding season, it migrates to the Atlantic Ocean, ranging off the coasts of West Africa and South America.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Dark grey-brown upperparts, white underparts, Yellowish bill with dark tip, Long, narrow wings, Stiff-winged gliding flight
Description
Scopoli's Shearwater is a large pelagic seabird known for its graceful, stiff-winged gliding flight over the open ocean. It spends most of its life at sea, coming ashore only to breed in colonies on rocky islands and coastal cliffs.
