Key information
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.
What they eat:
Small fish such as anchovies, sprats and sardines and squid.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 34-39 cm
- Wingspan:
- 83-93 cm
- Weight:
- 472-565g
Population:
- UK passage:
- 2,000 birds
- Europe:
- 3,142 pairs
