Petrels & Shearwaters in Cornwall
5 species matching this filter.
Cornwall's dramatic coastline and exposed Atlantic headlands make it one of the finest locations in Britain for observing petrels and shearwaters. With 5 species recorded, including the globally threatened Balearic Shearwater and the impressive Great Shearwater, the county offers exceptional pelagic birdwatching opportunities. Key vantage points such as Pendeen Watch, Porthgwarra, and the Lizard Peninsula provide ideal conditions for spotting these ocean-going birds as they pass close to shore.
Balearic Shearwater
Puffinus mauretanicusCR
An uncommon but increasingly regular visitor from June to November. This globally threatened shearwater favours Cornish headland seawatches.
Jun–Nov
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
An uncommon resident breeding on dramatic Cornish sea cliffs. Numbers have declined in recent years.
Year-round
Great Shearwater
Ardenna gravisLC
An uncommon visitor to offshore waters from July to November. Best spotted from prominent headlands during autumn seawatches.
Jul–Nov
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
An uncommon year-round resident of offshore waters, often seen streaming past headlands. Breeds on nearby islands and rocky coasts.
Year-round
Sooty Shearwater
Ardenna griseaNT
An uncommon visitor to offshore waters from June to November, best spotted from headlands during seawatches.
Jun–Nov