The little shearwater is a small shearwater in the petrel family Procellariidae. Despite the generic name, it is unrelated to the puffins, which are auks, the only similarity being that they are both burrow-nesting seabirds.
Region
Subtropical Pacific and Indian Oceans
Typical Environment
Breeds on offshore islands and islets, nesting in burrows or rock crevices under dense vegetation. At sea it ranges over continental shelves and shelf breaks, often foraging along productive fronts and current edges. Outside the breeding season, birds disperse widely across subtropical waters but typically remain within the same ocean basin. Around colonies they may gather in small flocks and rest on the water between foraging bouts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little shearwater is a small burrow‑nesting seabird in the petrel family (Procellariidae), unrelated to puffins despite the name. Like other tube-nosed seabirds, it exudes a musky scent and produces energy-rich stomach oil used to feed chicks and as a defensive spray. It returns to colonies mainly at night to avoid predators and often forms small rafts offshore near breeding sites.
Barolo shearwater off Madeira
Temperament
pelagic and wary near land
Flight Pattern
low over waves with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Forms loose flocks at sea and nests colonially on predator-free islands. Pairs are largely monogamous and show strong site fidelity, often returning to the same burrow each year. Nocturnal visits to colonies reduce predation risk from gulls and other diurnal predators.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives soft, cooing trills and chattering calls, usually at night from the ground or within burrows. At sea it is mostly silent.
Plumage
Clean white underparts with dark brown to blackish upperparts; crisp contrast at the neck and face with a dark cap and white cheeks. Underwing mostly white with a narrow dusky border and darker wing edges.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fish, squid, and crustaceans taken near the surface. It forages by surface seizing, dipping, and short pursuit flights, often in areas where prey is driven up by predatory fish. Occasionally associates with feeding flocks and may follow boats to scavenge small items.
Preferred Environment
Forages over continental shelf edges, upwelling zones, and oceanic fronts where prey is concentrated. Frequently feeds in the lee of islands and along current lines.
