Manx Shearwater

1 day ago

Spotted

A medium-sized, classic 'black and white' shearwater, known for its stiff-winged, low-skimming flight over the waves. It's an agile flyer, perfectly adapted to pelagic life, breeding in large colonies.

Where to spot

Breeds on islands in the North Atlantic, particularly around the British Isles, Iceland, and North America. Spends the non-breeding season in the South Atlantic, off the coasts of South America.

How to spot

Look for its stark black upperparts and pure white underparts, a clear two-toned appearance. Its flight is characterized by rapid wingbeats followed by long, low glides just above the wave tops. Often seen in large flocks.

When to spot

Breeding season in the Northern Hemisphere is from late spring to early autumn. Observed during migration in spring and autumn across the Atlantic, and in the South Atlantic during boreal winter.

Where to spot

Breeds on islands in the North Atlantic, particularly around the British Isles, Iceland, and North America. Spends the non-breeding season in the South Atlantic, off the coasts of South America.

How to spot

When to spot

Breeding season in the Northern Hemisphere is from late spring to early autumn. Observed during migration in spring and autumn across the Atlantic, and in the South Atlantic during boreal winter.

Credits: Door Matt Witt, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25776525

Manx Shearwaters are known for their incredibly accurate navigation, returning to the same burrow on their breeding islands year after year, even after thousands of miles of migration across the Atlantic.

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