Hutton's shearwater is a medium-sized ocean-going seabird in the family Procellariidae. Its range is Australian and New Zealand waters, but it breeds only in mainland New Zealand. Its conservation status is Endangered, because there are just two remaining breeding colonies, located in the Seaward Kaikōura Range. Six other shearwater colonies have been wiped out by introduced pigs. Hutton's shearwater is the only seabird in the world that is known to breed in alpine areas. Conservation measures for the bird include predator control at the breeding sites, establishing the Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary, and community initiatives to rescue birds that crash-land at night on streets in Kaikōura. A protected breeding area has also been created on the Kaikōura Peninsula, including a predator-proof fence and man-made burrows, with the initial population established by translocating fledglings from the remaining breeding colonies.
Region
New Zealand and southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
At sea, Hutton's shearwaters range widely over the Tasman Sea and around New Zealand, favoring continental shelf and slope waters. They breed only in alpine scree and tussock slopes of the Seaward Kaikōura Range, accessing burrows via steep ravines and ridgelines. Outside the breeding season they disperse to waters off eastern and southern Australia and return to New Zealand to breed. A predator-protected colony has been established on the Kaikōura Peninsula to reduce risk concentration. At sea they exploit upwellings and frontal systems where prey is concentrated.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hutton's shearwater is the only seabird known to breed in alpine habitats, nesting in burrows high in the Seaward Kaikōura Range of New Zealand. The species is Endangered with just two natural breeding colonies remaining, and conservation actions include predator control and a fenced, translocated colony on the Kaikōura Peninsula. Birds are often grounded by urban lights in Kaikōura, and community rescue programs help them safely reach the sea. At sea they are swift, long-ranging fliers using wind and wave lift to cover large distances.
A raft of Hutton's shearwaters feeding off the Kaikōura coast
Hutton's shearwater breeding colony, Shearwater Stream, Seaward Kaikōura Range
Flock of Hutton's shearwaters rafting south of Kaikōura Peninsula
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight over waves with rapid wingbeats and short glides; uses wind-slope lift and dynamic soaring
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, nesting in dense burrow colonies where pairs are largely monogamous and return to the same burrows annually. They visit colonies at night to reduce predation, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Chicks fledge to sea and are entirely independent.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies they give cackling, wailing and chuckling calls at night, often in duets between mates. At sea they are generally silent.
