A small, compact shearwater of the Atlantic Coast. Adult is uniformly dark above, with white underwing linings framed by black leading and trailing edges, and dark undersides to the primaries, black cap and nape, white cheeks, and thin, dark bill. At close range, a small white spot is visible in front of eye. Flight is quick, choppy. Manx Shearwater has duskier face and longer, more pointed wings, and almost entirely white underwings.

Length: 30 (cm) Wingspan: 69 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean, rarely seen from shore.

Behavior:

Nests colonially on oceanic islands, laying one egg inside burrow. At sea, a strong, quick flier; aerodynamic flight uses air currents off waves. Does not follow boats.

Feeding:

Swims underwater or picks food from water's surface; eats a variety of fish, squid, other small aquatic organisms, and scraps.