Shearwaters

Here's a list of all the UK Shearwaters:

Storm Petrel

Storm Petrels are charmingly petite seabirds, slightly larger than sparrows, with a distinct appearance. They exhibit a predominantly black colouration, contrasted by a striking white rump.

Unlike the Leach’s Petrel, their tails are square, not forked. When in flight, they are a sight to behold, fluttering just above the water with wings held high in a ‘V’ shape, their feet skimming the waves. These birds are social feeders, often seen in flocks, especially trailing behind ships in hopes of an easy meal.

Differences Between Male And Female Storm Petrels

Male and female Storm Petrels are quite similar in appearance, making it a challenge to differentiate between the two. Both share the same colouration and size, with a length of 14-18 cm and a wingspan of 36-39 cm.

Their plumage is a mix of brown, grey, black, and white, while their legs are a subtle brown.

Sooty Shearwater

Sooty Shearwaters, known scientifically as Ardenna grisea, are distinguished by their dark, chocolate-brown plumage. These medium-large seabirds measure 40-51 cm in length with a wingspan stretching 94-110 cm.

Their flight is characterised by a unique “shearing” pattern, gliding effortlessly over water surfaces with stiff, straight wings. In certain lights, a silvery strip can be seen along the centre of their underwing, adding to their distinct appearance.

Differences Between Male and Female Sooty Shearwaters

Typically, male and female Sooty Shearwaters are similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based solely on plumage. Both sexes share the same dark colouration and physical features.

However, subtle differences in size or behaviour during mating and nesting periods might offer clues for differentiation.

Manx Shearwater

Manx Shearwaters are medium-sized seabirds, recognizable by their distinct black and white plumage. Their long, narrow wings and streamlined bodies make them skilled fliers over the ocean.

Differences Between Male And Female Manx Shearwaters

There are no significant visual differences between male and female Manx Shearwaters. Both sexes share the same sleek black and white colouring, with dark upper parts and white underparts.

Leach’s Petrel

Leach’s Petrel is a small seabird, similar in size to a starling. Its distinctive features include a mostly black plumage with a notable white rump marked by a black line. The bird has a forked tail and is adept at fluttering flight, often seen skimming the ocean surface.

Differences Between Male And Female Leach’s Petrels

Male and female Leach’s Petrels are remarkably similar in appearance and size, making it challenging to distinguish between them based on sight alone.

Great Shearwater

Great Shearwaters, known scientifically as Ardenna gravis, are sizable seabirds with a distinctive appearance.

Measuring 43 to 51 cm in length and boasting a wingspan of 100 to 118 cm, they are easily recognised by their dark grey-brown upperparts and contrasting pale underparts.

These birds feature a dark cap and a unique white “horseshoe” mark at the base of their tails, making them stand out among their peers.

Differences Between Male And Female Great Shearwaters

While males and females share similar plumage, females tend to be slightly shorter and have smaller wingspans. Juveniles look similar to adults but lack the distinctive white collar.

Fulmar

Resembling gulls, Fulmars are distinguished by their greyish white plumage and a unique flight pattern on stiff wings. They glide gracefully over the sea, alternating between showing off their white underparts and grey upperparts.

Differences Between Male And Female Fulmars

Males and females are similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based on plumage alone.

Balearic Shearwater

Balearic shearwaters are medium-sized seabirds, measuring 34 to 39 cm in length with a wingspan of 78 to 90 cm.

These birds exhibit a distinctive flying style, gliding over the sea with stiff wings, their wingtips nearly skimming the water surface.

Their appearance shifts from dark brown to a lighter underside, creating a mesmerising visual effect against the backdrop of the ocean.

Differences Between Male and Female Balearic Shearwaters

Male and female Balearic shearwaters mostly look similar, but males are typically slightly larger.

Both genders have a similar colour pattern, with dark grey upperparts and a paler underbelly.

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