Tropical Shearwater
NameTropical Shearwater
Common NameTropical Shearwater
Scientific NamePuffinus bailloni
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)200
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark sooty-brown, contrasting sharply with clean white underparts. The underwing is dark with a prominent white flash or panel, particularly visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallAt breeding colonies, they are typically nocturnal and produce a variety of cackling, cooing, and wailing calls. They are generally silent at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the tropical Indian Ocean and parts of the western Pacific, breeding on islands across this vast range.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a shearwater, Dark sooty-brown upperparts, Clean white underparts, Dark underwing with a distinct white flash, Rapid, stiff-winged flight close to the water surface
Description
The Tropical Shearwater is a small, dark-backed seabird with contrasting white underparts, known for its characteristic low, stiff-winged flight over the ocean. It breeds on tropical islands and spends most of its life at sea, feeding on small marine prey.
