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Short-tailed Shearwater
last update: Mar 25, 2009 12:07 PM
Latin name: Puffinus tenuirostris
Population: 30 million individuals
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: Bering Sea in summer and autumn, breeds in the South Pacific Ocean around Australia
Age/ life expectancy: 15-19 years
Wingspan: 95-105 cm
Length: 40-45 cm
Weight: 500-800 g
Mating/Breeding: Short-tailed Shearwaters first breed at 5-8 years of age. Colony nesters, Short-tailed Shearwaters typically locate their colonies on islands off southeastern Australia, but will also use mainland areas. The breeding season is from September to April. They are most active in the colonies at night. Both parents help dig a burrow in the soil. At the end of the burrow is a nest chamber that may be lined with grass. The female lays one egg, and both parents incubate for 7-8 weeks. Both feed the young by regurgitation. After 11-15 weeks, the chick leaves the nesting colony and heads to sea.
Eggs: 1 white egg
Hibernation: migrates north during the austral winter to the seas off the Aleutian Islands and Kamchatka
Hunting Habits: plunge-diving, underwater pursuit, surface seizing, scavenging, and bottom feeding
Feed on: squid, fish, and krill
Predators: humans and feral cats
Colour/Body: Short-tailed Shearwaters have completely dark brown plumage on their upper body and head. The breast and underwings are pale gray and contrast with the darker “hood.” Occasionally, the underwing has traces of white in the center. The tail is rounded and the dark grey feet trail behind when in flight. This species may be confused with the slightly larger Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus), which has a somewhat longer bill and more pronounced white under the wings.
Interesting Trivia:
- All shearwaters are also known as muttonbirds because they were good eating. The chicks are still harvested for food and oil in Tasmania.
