Great Shearwater

By 23/09/2020Birds

The great shearwater (Puffinus gravis) is a large shearwater species previously identified with the latin name Ardenna gravis. In the Azores they are usually found from August to October, during their southward migration.

 

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Latin name: Puffinus gravis
  • Order: Procellariiformes
  • Family: Procellariidae
  • Length: 47 cm
  • Weight: 670 to 1000 gr
  • Wingspan: 115 cm
  • IUCN Status: Least concern

 

Source:  Map Lynx Editions/BirdLife International

DESCRIPTION

Important: Birds species have different identifying features depending on sex, age and season.

Eye color: Black
Beak: Black, thin and hooked medium beak
Leg color: Brown, pink
Feather colors: Black, brown, grey, white, cream

 

 

LIFE HISTORY

DIET

Great Shearwaters mostly feed on small pelagic fish, especially when schools are driven to the surface by larger predatory fish (e.g., tunas) or dolphins. They usually forage in flocks and are often observed resting on the water between feeding sessions.

REPRODUCTION

Leaving the Azores in late October, Great Shearwaters migrate to the South Atlantic where they breed during the winter. Breeding occurs on sloping ground, mainly in areas of tussock grass or ferns. These nests are visited only at night to avoid predation by Gulls or Skua species. Great Shearwaters nest in large colonies, laying one single white egg in a small burrow or in the open grass. Great Shearwater have a Long-term monogamous relation and are very territorial around the burrow entrance. The juveniles will reach the fledgling stage, first flight, at around 105-120 days.

VOCAL BEHAVIOR

Great Shearwater vocalize mainly on ground at colonies, rather than in flight. They emit nasal calls described as vigorous and unmelodic, with slight differences between males and females. You can listen to their vocalizations during the breeding season in Tristan da Cunha in this audio recording by Derren Fox.

 

 

Illustration by Juan M. Varela

Marylou

About Marylou

Marylou is a Marine Biologist and Master in Oceanography. She is one of our Marine Wildlife Guide and is responsible for Science Education at TERRA AZUL. Originally from France, she studied in Canada and Belgium and loves being out to sea to share her knowledge with you.

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