Species Profile
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinus
Manx Shearwater
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
25–50 years
Length
30–38 cm
Weight
350–575 g
Wingspan
71–83 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Manx, Manks Shearwater
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Appearance
The Manx Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird with distinctive black upperparts and white underparts. Its long, narrow wings and streamlined body are adaptations for efficient gliding over ocean waves. The bird has a dark bill, slightly hooked at the tip, and pink legs with black webbed feet.
There is no significant difference in appearance between males and females, although females are slightly smaller on average. Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage. The bird maintains its plumage year-round, with no seasonal variations.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
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
Manx Shearwaters breed on islands in the North Atlantic, with major colonies in the UK, Ireland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to the South Atlantic, reaching as far as the coasts of Brazil and Argentina.
These birds are pelagic, spending most of their time over open ocean waters. They come to land only to breed, nesting on remote, often treeless islands with soft soil for burrowing.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Northern Ireland
Wales
Cornwall
East Riding of Yorkshire
Northumberland
North Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Diet
Manx Shearwaters primarily feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They hunt by diving from the air or swimming, using their wings to 'fly' underwater. Small schooling fish (about 6 in/15 cm long) like herring, pilchards, and sprats are their regular prey.
These birds often follow fishing vessels to scavenge discards and are known to feed in association with other marine predators like dolphins.
Behaviour
Manx Shearwaters are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea. They are known for their distinctive flight pattern, alternating between rapid wingbeats and long glides just above the water's surface.
These birds are social, often seen in large flocks during migration and forming dense colonies during the breeding season.
Calls & Sounds
Manx Shearwaters are usually silent at sea but vocal at their breeding colonies. Their calls are described as eerie, wailing sounds, often likened to a human baby crying.
The most common call is a series of croaks and wheezes, typically rendered as 'ka-ka-ka-kow-kow'. These vocalisations are primarily heard at night at breeding sites.
Nesting & Breeding
Manx Shearwaters form long-term pair bonds and return to the same breeding sites annually. The breeding season typically begins in March or April. These birds are nocturnal on their breeding grounds, likely an adaptation to avoid predation.
They nest in burrows, which they dig themselves or occupy existing rabbit holes. The female lays a single white egg. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 51 days.
The chick is fed by both parents and remains in the burrow for about 70 days before fledging. Young birds typically return to breed at the colony where they were born after spending 3-5 years at sea.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Manx Shearwaters face threats from introduced predators on breeding islands, light pollution, and marine pollution.
Conservation efforts focus on predator control in breeding colonies and reducing plastic waste in oceans. Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems are a growing concern for this species.
Elevation
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include large gulls, skuas, and introduced mammals such as rats and cats on breeding islands. Peregrine falcons occasionally prey on adults.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Manx Shearwaters from coastal headlands during spring and autumn migrations
- Observe their characteristic flight pattern: low over the waves with stiff wings
- Join pelagic birdwatching trips for the best chance to see them at sea
- They are difficult to spot on land since they only return to their nests at night, but large numbers gather offshore before dark
- You may be able to spot them from high vantage points along the west coast of the UK in spring and summer, especially when onshore winds bring them closer to shore
- In the UK, visit breeding colonies on islands like Skomer or Rum at night to hear their eerie calls
Did You Know?
- Manx Shearwaters can live for over 50 years, making them one of the longest-lived wild birds.
- They can dive up to 55 meters deep to catch prey.
- These birds return to their breeding colonies in complete darkness, navigating by smell and sound.
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