A relatively large, bulky, light-bellied shearwater of the Pacific. Adult is smudgy brown to gray-brown above, with mottled white and brown underwings, white belly, brownish flanks, dark brown head, and pale bill with a dark tip. Back usually looks paler than wings. Underwing linings are mostly white, but mottled with varying amounts of brown. Sexes are similar. Larger and darker than Buller's Shearwater, but lighter underneath than Sooty and Short-tailed. Flight style is lazier and less fluttering than most other shearwaters, with slower, less frequent wingbeats.

Length: 48 (cm) Wingspan: 109 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean, rarely seen from shore.

Behavior:

Nests on oceanic islands, laying one egg inside burrow. At sea, a strong flier; aerodynamic flight uses air currents off waves. Sometimes follows boats to scavenge scraps.

Feeding:

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