A small, compact, fast flying, light-bellied shearwater. Adult has white underparts, white undertail coverts, white underwings with dark trailing edge, uniform blackish-brown upperparts, white on throat curling up behind eye, dark head and nape, and thin black bill. Flanks are white at rest. Compare Black-vented and Audubon's Shearwaters. Flight is comprised of a rapid series of wingbeats and short glides, somewhat zig-zagging, usually low to the water, changes lateral direction more frequently than other shearwaters.

Length: 34 (cm) Wingspan: 84 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean; occasionally seen from shore.

Behavior:

Typically seen alone or in small flocks. Does not typically follow boats. One white egg is laid in a burrow; nest is attended at night. May live to be more than 50 years old.

Feeding:

Dives and swims or picks food off water's surface; eats a variety of fish, squid, and other small aquatic organisms.