The tropical shearwater is a seabird in the family Procellariidae formerly considered conspecific with Audubon's shearwater.
Region
Indian Ocean and western tropical Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds on tropical oceanic islands such as the Seychelles, Mascarenes, Aldabra, and scattered islets across the equatorial Indian Ocean, with some populations extending into the western tropical Pacific. At sea it ranges over warm pelagic waters, often commuting between nesting islands and nearby productive shelves and fronts. Colonies are typically on forested slopes, scrubby coastal bluffs, or sandy islets with soft soil for burrowing. Birds disperse widely outside the breeding season but generally remain within tropical waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The tropical shearwater is a small tubenose of warm oceans, formerly considered conspecific with Audubon's shearwater. It nests colonially in burrows on predator-free islands and visits colonies mostly at night. Adults show strong natal philopatry and long pair bonds, typically raising a single chick per season. Invasive predators and light pollution near colonies are the main threats.
Temperament
pelagic and wary near land
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides just above wave troughs
Social Behavior
A colonial burrow nester, often forming dense colonies on small islands. Largely nocturnal at colonies to avoid predation, giving a single egg per season. Pairs are monogamous with shared incubation and chick-rearing duties. Young fledge after a prolonged nestling period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
At sea mostly quiet, but at colonies emits wailing, chattering, and chuckling calls during nocturnal activity. Voices are high-pitched and carry over the colony, aiding pair recognition in darkness.
Plumage
Upperparts dark sooty-brown to blackish with a contrasting clean white underside; underwings mostly white with narrow dark margins. The head shows a dusky cap and mask with a white throat and lower face. Feathers are smooth and sleek, adapted for pelagic flight.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans, occasionally taking zooplankton and fish offal. Often associates with tuna, dolphins, or predatory fish that drive prey to the surface. Forages by surface seizing and shallow pursuit-diving, sometimes using wing-propelled dives a few meters deep. Opportunistic around productive fronts and slicks.
Preferred Environment
Warm pelagic waters near islands, shelf edges, and current convergence zones. Frequently forages along upwellings and around schools of predatory fish.
