The Persian shearwater is a seabird in the family Procellariidae formerly lumped in with Audubon's shearwater.
Region
Northwestern Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in warm pelagic waters of the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden, around Oman and Yemen (including the Socotra region), and off the Horn of Africa. At sea it keeps to offshore waters, especially along productive shelf edges and upwelling systems. Breeds colonially on rocky offshore islands and islets with soil suitable for burrowing. Nearshore appearances are usually tied to breeding colonies or feeding opportunities created by currents and baitfish.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Persian shearwater is a small tropical shearwater of the northwestern Indian Ocean, once treated as part of Audubon's shearwater. It spends most of its life far offshore, returning to remote islands to breed in burrows, mostly at night. It often forages over productive upwelling zones and may associate with dolphins or predatory fish to catch prey. Light pollution and invasive predators at colonies can negatively affect breeding success.
Persian shearwater taking flight off Goa Coast
Temperament
social and active at sea, secretive at colonies
Flight Pattern
low shearing flight with rapid flaps and short, stiff-winged glides
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose to dense colonies, nesting in burrows or rock crevices on small islands. Largely nocturnal at breeding sites to avoid predation, with mates alternating incubation and chick-rearing. Shows strong philopatry, returning to the same colony and even burrow area in successive years.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea; around colonies it gives quavering wails and chattering calls, often exchanged between mates at night. Vocalizations carry over the colony and help partners locate burrows in darkness.
Plumage
Small black-and-white shearwater with sooty-brown to blackish upperparts and clean white underparts. The face shows a dark cap with a contrasting white lower face and throat. Underwings are mostly white with a narrow dark border and darker carpal area; flanks may show slight mottling.
Diet
Takes small schooling fish, squid, and crustaceans. Captures prey by surface-seizing and short pursuit-dives, sometimes plunging from a low height. Frequently forages along frontal zones and upwellings and may follow tuna or dolphins that drive prey to the surface.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in offshore pelagic waters, especially near shelf breaks and areas of strong current. Rarely comes close to shore except near breeding islands or when prey is concentrated.
