How to Identify a Shearwater Bird

Identifying the Shearwater

• 1

  Observe the Shearwater in oceans or near the shore. The bird prefers warmer weather and open waters.

• 2

  Watch for the large wingspan the Shearwater. The gull-like bird is a glider who spends more time with its wings still than flapping them.

• 3

  Find several species of Shearwaters throughout the world, but their similar gray/black and white appearance distinguishes them from other gull-type birds.

• 4

  See the birds swooping down to the water to catch fish. The Shearwater's diet consists of mostly fish they catch on the surface. Occasionally, they dive down into the water using their wings to propel them towards their prey.

• 5

  View Shearwaters on shore only to rest and breed. While they spend most of their time at sea, the birds do make burrows in rock crevices, caves or tree roots where they incubate their eggs.

Distinguishing Types of Shearwater Birds

• 6

  Look for the Buller's Shearwater off the Pacific Coast. It is the only Shearwater, besides the Pink-footed Shearwater, to be found there. It has a white underside and dark grey topside. Its head is white on the lower part and gray on the upper half. The Buller Shearwater also glides more than others.

• 7

  View the biggest Shearwater bird, the Pink-footed Shearwater. Discover it off the Pacific Coast. The Pink-footed bird has a dark head and upper body. Its pink bill and feet easily distinguish it.

• 8

  Observe the difference between the Pink-footed Shearwater and the Flesh-footed Shearwater. The later has more silver wings visible when it is in flight. This bird also has flesh-colored feet and bill.

• 9

  Capture an image of the Sooty Shearwater and the Short-tailed Shearwater. The 2 are very similar with silver underwings and dark bodies. The Short-tailed bird has a smaller bill and rounder head. It also has wings that are more angled and narrower.