About the Manx Shearwater

The Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) is a medium-sized seabird known for its remarkable migratory journeys and distinctive appearance.

It has a black upper body and a white underbody, giving it a contrasting appearance. The wings are long and narrow, designed for efficient gliding over the ocean.

Manx Shearwaters are known for their graceful flight. They often glide low over the waves with minimal wingbeats. Their distinctive flight pattern features rapid, stiff wingbeats followed by long glides.

These birds are very common, with most of the estimated world population breeding in Britain and Ireland.

Predation by introduced species like rats and cats on breeding islands is a significant threat.

Various conservation efforts, including predator control on breeding islands, have been implemented to protect the species.

Climate change and overfishing pose risks to their food supply.

Where to see Manx Shearwaters

These birds are highly migratory, with some populations traveling from the North Atlantic to the South Atlantic, covering thousands of miles. They are known to spend the non-breeding season in the waters off the coast of South America and South Africa.

Interesting facts about Manx Shearwaters

Manx Shearwaters possess exceptional navigational abilities. In one famous experiment, a bird was taken from its breeding colony in Wales to Boston, USA, and released. It returned to its nest in just 12 days, covering a distance of about 3,100 miles.

These birds nest in burrows, often dug into grassy hillsides or rocky crevices on offshore islands. Both parents take turns incubating the single egg and feeding the chick, which remains hidden in the burrow until it is ready to fledge.

These birds are adept divers, capable of diving up to 15 meters (about 50 feet) to catch fish and other prey. They use their wings to propel themselves underwater.

These birds are among the longest-lived birds in the world. The oldest recorded Manx Shearwater lived to be at least 55 years old. This particular bird was first ringed as an adult in 1957 and was still being observed decades later.

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