Townsend's shearwater is a rare seabird of the tropics from the family Procellariidae.
Region
Eastern Tropical Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds on remote oceanic islands of the Revillagigedo Archipelago and forages over surrounding offshore waters. At sea it occupies warm pelagic zones far from the continental shelf, often following productive current fronts and upwelling lines. On land it uses sloped terrain with shrubs or grasses for burrow nesting, typically in friable soil or among rocks. It is rarely seen near mainland coasts except when blown in by storms. Outside breeding, individuals disperse widely over the eastern tropical Pacific but remain oceanic.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Townsend's shearwater is a small tropical seabird in the tubenose family Procellariidae, breeding only on Mexico’s Revillagigedo Archipelago (primarily Clarion Island). It nests in burrows and is strictly nocturnal at colonies, a strategy to avoid predators. At sea it ranges widely over warm eastern Pacific waters and can be tricky to separate from other black-and-white shearwaters. The species is among the most threatened shearwaters due to invasive predators and bycatch.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
stiff-winged glides interspersed with rapid flapping; low arcing over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially in burrows, with pairs often reusing the same site across years. Activity at the colony is mostly nocturnal, reducing predation risk. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties, and chicks fledge to sea unattended.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives haunting, moaning calls and chattering notes, most frequently at night. Calls carry over slopes and vegetation and serve to locate mates and coordinate burrow exchanges. At sea it is usually silent.
