Little Shearwater

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Not yet spotted on Fladder

The Little Shearwater is a widespread yet often challenging seabird to identify, characterized by its small size, dark upperparts, and white underparts. Several subspecies exist, some of which are considered distinct species.

Where to spot

Found across various temperate and tropical oceans globally, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific. Breeds on remote islands and disperses widely at sea.

How to spot

Requires pelagic birding trips. Look for its small size and typical shearwater flight, low over the water with stiff-winged glides. Distinguishing it from similar small shearwaters often requires careful attention to subtle plumage features and range.

When to spot

Observation is possible year-round in different parts of its vast range, depending on the specific population's breeding and dispersal cycles. Many populations are nocturnal at breeding colonies.

Where to spot

Found across various temperate and tropical oceans globally, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific. Breeds on remote islands and disperses widely at sea.

How to spot

When to spot

Observation is possible year-round in different parts of its vast range, depending on the specific population's breeding and dispersal cycles. Many populations are nocturnal at breeding colonies.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Despite its wide distribution across multiple oceans, many populations of the Little Shearwater are isolated, leading to significant genetic divergence and complex taxonomic relationships.

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