Sooty Shearwater
NameSooty Shearwater
Common NameSooty Shearwater
Scientific NameArdenna grisea
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)101.5
Length (cm)45.5
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is entirely sooty brown to blackish, giving it a uniformly dark appearance from a distance. A key identifying feature is the distinctive silvery-white flash on the central primary coverts of the underwing, which is visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallAt sea, Sooty Shearwaters are generally silent. On their breeding grounds, they produce a variety of raucous, wailing, and croaking calls, often described as 'ka-whoo-ah' or 'koo-koo-roo'.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands in the Southern Hemisphere, including New Zealand, the Falkland Islands, and Chile. It undertakes an epic trans-equatorial migration, traveling to the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans during the austral winter.
Identifying FeaturesUniformly dark sooty-brown plumage, Silvery-white flash on the underwing, Long, slender wings held stiffly in flight, Gliding flight pattern, often low over waves, Relatively long, slender bill
Description
The Sooty Shearwater is a medium-sized, dark seabird renowned for undertaking one of the longest animal migrations on Earth. It is typically seen gliding low over the ocean surface on stiff, outstretched wings, often in large, dynamic flocks.
