About the Black-vented Shearwater
The black-vented shearwater is a species of seabird endemic to islands off of the Pacific coast of Mexico and the Gulf of California. It is a smaller shearwater, with a length of 30–38 cm, 76–89 cm wingspan and a mass of around 400 g. This species is pelagic and feeds mainly on small fish. It is nocturnal, and is most active in low light settings.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Black-vented shearwater adults are around 30–38 cm in length, have a 76–89 cm wingspan and weigh around 400 g. Males are generally slightly larger than females, though the size difference is minimal. Chicks have grey down feathers, lighter around their throat and breast areas. These down feathers lighten slightly over time. Adults have dark brown heads, and dorsal plumages, with lighter ventral plumage (often white with specks and smudges of brown). This is like many other diving and marine bird species, which use countershading as a method of camouflage. Voice: Although there are few records of black-vented shearwater calls, their vocalizations have been likened to a moaning growl, similar to the sound of a dentist's drill and suction. The black-vented shearwater only calls at night, when there is little to no moon. Vocalizations are believed to play a significant role in mating, as the species lacks sexual dimorphism, akin to the Manx shearwater.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Costa Rica, Panama.
When to see it
Peak activity in September · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Sargasso ShearwaterPuffinus lherminieriThe Sargasso shearwater is on average 30 cm (12 in) in length—about half the size of the great shearwater (Puffinus gravis)—and weigh 170 g.
Fluttering ShearwaterPuffinus gaviaThis is a medium to small-sized shearwater with a dark-brown-and-white body.
Mediterranean ShearwaterPuffinus yelkouanThe yelkouan shearwaters is 30–35 cm (12–14 in) in length and has a wingspan of 70–84 cm (28–33 in).
Learn the Black-vented Shearwater for real
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