The RSPB: Balearic shearwater

Conservation status: Red

Slightly larger than the closely related Manx shearwater, the Balearic shearwater is brown above and dull below. It flies with rapid, shallow wingbeats on stiffly held wings. It will rest on the water, and also plunge-dive for food. Despite breeding in the Balearic Islands, and the south coast of France, it migrates north towards the Bay of Biscay, which is when some birds make it into British waters.

Overview

Latin name

Puffinus mauretanicus

Family

Petrels and shearwaters (Procellariidae)

Where to see them

Mainly of the coast of south England, in particular Cornwall, Devon and Dorset and west Wales, but also into the North Sea, off the east coast.

When to see them

Mainly between July and September.

What they eat

Small fish such as anchovies, sprats and sardines.

Population

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	-	-	Up to 1,200

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.