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- Puffinus gavia
Identification
31-36 cms, wingspan 75cms
Blackish-brown upperparts, extending to below eyes on head. White underparts. Variable greyish underwings, but generally more pale than Hutton's. Undertail and underwing coverts white. Legs and feet pink.
Similar Species
Similar to Hutton's Shearwater.
Distribution
Australasia: Breeds on islands off New Zealand. Ranges to south-eastern Australia, New Caledonia and Vanuatu
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Breeds on islands off the New Zealand's North Island and Cook Strait, plus in Marlborough Sound.
Juveniles and non-breeders travel to south-eastern Australia (April-Setember in Queensland, July to November further south), New Caledonia and Vanuatu. May stay for 2 years.
Behaviour
Can be very social at sea, both within the breed and with others.
Action
In flight, has bursts of rapid wing beat, followed by short glides.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds
- Ocean Wanderers website [1]
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Fluttering Shearwater. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 11 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Fluttering_Shearwater
