Species Profile
Balearic Shearwater
Puffinus mauretanicus
Balearic Shearwater
Quick Facts
Conservation
CRCritically EndangeredLifespan
12 years
Length
35–40 cm
Weight
480–535 g
Wingspan
85–90 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Baldriga balear (Catalan)
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Appearance
The Balearic Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird with a streamlined body adapted for efficient flight over water. Its upperparts are predominantly dark brown, contrasting with a white underbody. The bird has a distinctive pale underwing with dark edges and 'armpit' patches.
There is no significant difference between males and females, although males are usually fractionally larger. Juveniles closely resemble adults, though they may appear slightly 'fresher-plumaged'.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Balearic Shearwaters breed exclusively on Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. During the breeding season, they are found in coastal waters around these islands and along the nearby Spanish and North African coasts.
Post-breeding, they disperse widely into the Atlantic, with significant numbers reaching waters off the UK, Ireland, and France. Some birds venture as far north as the North Sea, while others move south along the West African coast.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
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Diet
Balearic Shearwaters primarily feed on small pelagic fish such as sardines and anchovies. They also consume squid, molluscs, and crustaceans.
These birds often feed by surface-seizing or shallow plunge-diving into the waves and are known to follow fishing vessels to scavenge discards.
Behaviour
Balearic Shearwaters are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea. They exhibit a characteristic low, gliding flight pattern, often skimming close to the water's surface.
These birds form large, dense flocks when feeding, particularly during their post-breeding dispersal into the Atlantic.
Calls & Sounds
Balearic Shearwaters produce eerie, wailing calls at breeding colonies, often described as a mournful 'aaa-ooo' or 'ar-oo'. These vocalisations are typically heard at night when birds return to their nesting sites. At sea, they are generally silent.
Nesting & Breeding
Balearic Shearwaters form monogamous pairs and breed annually. The breeding season typically begins in February when birds return to their colonies.
They nest in burrows, crevices, small caves, and small islets on coastal cliffs. Females lay a single white egg directly on the ground or in a small nest of vegetation.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 50 days. After hatching, chicks are fed by both parents and fledge after approximately 60-70 days, usually in June or July.
Conservation
The Balearic Shearwater is critically endangered due to multiple threats. These include predation by introduced mammals at breeding sites, accidental bycatch in fishing gear, and climate change impacts on their marine habitat.
Urgent conservation efforts are underway to protect breeding colonies and reduce at-sea mortality.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them during 'sea watching' sessions from coastal headlands, especially in late summer and autumn.
- Focus on their distinctive low, gliding flight pattern close to the water.
- Watch for flocks feeding in areas of upwelling or where fish shoals are present.
- In the UK, the best viewing opportunities are often off the southwest coast.
Did You Know?
- Balearic Shearwaters can dive up to 30 meters deep to catch prey.
- They are the most endangered seabird in Europe, with a rapidly declining population.
- These birds can live up to 25 years in the wild despite their current conservation challenges.
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