Black-vented shearwater

The black-vented shearwater is a species of seabird endemic to islands off of the Pacific coast of Mexico and the Gulf of California. It is a smaller shearwater, with a length of 30–38 cm, 76–89 cm wingspan and a mass of around 400 g. This species is pelagic and feeds mainly on small fish. It is nocturnal, and is most active in low light settings.

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Distribution

Region

Eastern Pacific (Baja California and the California Current)

Typical Environment

Breeds on offshore islands along the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula and the Gulf of California. Outside the breeding season it disperses northward along the California Current, commonly reaching the U.S. West Coast and occasionally farther to the Pacific Northwest. At sea it is pelagic over continental shelf edges and upwelling zones, where small schooling fish are abundant. On land it nests in burrows or crevices in sandy or friable soils with low scrub. It comes ashore mainly at night during the breeding season.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 300 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size30–38 cm

Wing Span76–89 cm

Male Weight0.4 kg

Female Weight0.4 kg

Life Expectancy20 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Black-vented shearwaters breed only on a handful of islands off Baja California, Mexico, and visit colonies almost exclusively at night to avoid predators. At sea they often gather in large flocks along productive upwelling zones and may follow fishing vessels, which makes them vulnerable to bycatch. Predator control and habitat protection on key islands such as Isla Natividad have benefited the species. They are agile dynamic soarers, using winds over the ocean to travel long distances efficiently.

Gallery

A black-vented shearwater flying over the water.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats interspersed with long glides; dynamic soaring over swells

Social Behavior

Highly colonial, nesting in burrows or crevices on islands. Visits colonies at night and often forms long-term pair bonds, laying a single egg per season. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing. Away from colonies it gathers in flocks over productive feeding areas.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Generally quiet at sea, but at night around colonies it gives wailing, cackling calls and moans. Vocalizations are used for mate recognition and territorial interactions within the nesting colony.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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