The pink-footed shearwater is a species of seabird. The bird is 48 cm (19 in) in length, with a 109 cm (43 in) wingspan. It is polymorphic, having both darker- and lighter-phase populations. Together with the equally light-billed flesh-footed shearwater, it forms the Hemipuffinus group, a superspecies that may or may not have an Atlantic relative in the great shearwater. These are large shearwaters which are among those that could be separated in the genus Ardenna.
Region
Eastern Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds on the Juan Fernández Islands and Isla Mocha off central Chile, nesting in burrows on forested and grassy slopes. Outside the breeding season it disperses north along the Pacific coast to Peru, Ecuador, and commonly to the California Current, often reaching the coasts of the United States and Canada. At sea it favors productive upwelling zones, continental shelf edges, and offshore waters influenced by the Humboldt and California Currents. It comes to land only to breed and is otherwise strictly pelagic.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its flesh-pink legs and feet, the pink-footed shearwater is a large, polymorphic shearwater ranging from darker to lighter phases. It breeds only on a few Chilean islands and ranges widely across the eastern Pacific outside the breeding season. It is vulnerable to bycatch in fisheries, introduced predators at nesting colonies, and light pollution. Like other shearwaters, it uses dynamic soaring to cover vast distances with minimal effort.
Temperament
social and gregarious at sea
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring glider with long, stiff-winged arcs and low shearing over waves
Social Behavior
A colonial burrow-nester, it forms dense colonies on predator-safe slopes and terraces. Adults are largely nocturnal at colonies, reducing predation risk, and they maintain long-term pair bonds. Typically one egg is laid per season, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea, but at colonies after dark it gives wailing, moaning, and chuckling calls typical of shearwaters. Vocalizations help pairs locate each other and their burrows in dense colonies.
Plumage
Polymorphic: upperparts dark chocolate-brown; underparts mostly white to lightly mottled with dusky flanks and belly. Underwings largely white with broad dark margins; darker-phase birds appear more uniformly brown below. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting for efficient flight over open ocean.
Diet
Takes small schooling fish (such as anchovies and sardines), squid, and krill, and will also scavenge fishery discards. Forages by surface seizing, shallow plunges, and short pursuit dives, often in association with predatory fish or marine mammals. Frequently follows fishing vessels to exploit offal and discards.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds over continental shelf and slope waters, especially in productive upwelling systems. Occurs far offshore but may approach nearshore areas when prey is concentrated.
