Shearwater

About

How shearwater lives

Shearwaters are ocean birds that glide close to waves on long narrow wings. Many shearwaters return to nesting burrows only under cover of darkness. Ocean animals navigate three-dimensional space, pressure, and constantly shifting currents.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting shearwater also depends on keeping ocean, coast habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Many shearwaters return to nesting burrows only under cover of darkness.
• Feathers serve many jobs at once, including insulation, waterproofing, signaling, and flight control.
• Ocean animals navigate three-dimensional space, pressure, and constantly shifting currents.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.