Facts About Wedge-tailed shearwater
The wedge-tailed shearwater, often referred to as a muttonbird, is a medium-large seabird belonging to the Procellariidae family. These birds can be observed in the tropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, where they breed on various islands. They exhibit two color morphs: dark and pale, with most of the pale morphs found in the North Pacific.
Their diet is diverse and primarily consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans. They capture their prey by either dipping into the water or diving below the surface.
Regarding breeding, wedge-tailed shearwaters establish colonies on tropical islands. They are known for their monogamous relationships and typically return to their natal sites to breed. Both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the egg and feeding the chick until it is fledged.
The timing of their breeding season varies depending on their location, with birds at higher latitudes breeding simultaneously. Wedge-tailed shearwater colonies are found in numerous locations worldwide, including Australia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Seychelles, and the Northern Mariana Islands.