Streaked Shearwater
NameStreaked Shearwater
Common NameStreaked Shearwater
Scientific NameCalonectris leucomelas
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)115
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)625
Plumage DetailsThis species has brownish-grey upperparts, including the back, wings, and tail, contrasting with clean white underparts. The head and neck are white with prominent dark streaking, giving it its common name. The bill is dark grey with a pale tip.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically heard at breeding colonies during the night, consisting of various cat-like wails, cackles, and moaning calls. At sea, they are generally silent.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands off Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. After breeding, it disperses widely across the western Pacific Ocean and into the Indian Ocean, reaching as far south as Australia and west to the Arabian Sea.
Identifying FeaturesStreaked head and neck, Brownish-grey upperparts with white underparts, Long, narrow wings for efficient gliding, Dark bill with a pale tip, Pelagic behavior
Description
The Streaked Shearwater is a large pelagic seabird characterized by its long, narrow wings and distinctive streaked head. It spends most of its life at sea, gliding effortlessly over the ocean surface and only coming ashore to breed in colonies on islands.
