Birds

Rapa Shearwater

Rapa Shearwater

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Rapa Shearwater is a small, rarely seen seabird breeding on islands in the South Pacific, particularly around Rapa Iti. Its pelagic nature and remote breeding sites make it one of the less studied shearwater species.
Where to spot
Known to breed primarily on Rapa Iti and possibly other islands in the Austral Islands group of French Polynesia. It disperses into the central South Pacific Ocean during non-breeding periods.
How to spot
Observation opportunities are extremely limited, typically requiring specialized research expeditions or extensive pelagic birding in its remote South Pacific range. Look for its small size and typical shearwater flight over the open ocean.
When to spot
Breeding occurs during the austral summer (roughly November to May). Pelagic observations are possible year-round within its oceanic range, though difficult due to its elusive nature.
This species was only formally described in 2018, having previously been considered a subspecies of Newell's Shearwater, highlighting the ongoing discovery in seabird taxonomy.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Pterodroma atrata 25550225.jpg
100

Henderson Petrel

Shearwaters and Petrels
scopoli's pijlstormvogel
80

Scopoli's Shearwater

Shearwaters and Petrels
File:PterodromaDefilippiana.jpg
100

Masatierra Petrel

Shearwaters and Petrels
File:Puffinus huttoni (AM LB1888-4).jpg
100

Hutton's Shearwater

Shearwaters and Petrels
File:Procellaria conspicillata - flying.jpg
100

Spectacled Petrel

Shearwaters and Petrels
grauwe pijlstormvogel boven zee
100

Sooty Shearwater

Shearwaters and Petrels
File:File-Pterodroma lessonii in flight 1 - SE Tasmania 2019.jpg
100

White-headed Petrel

Shearwaters and Petrels
File:Calonectris leucomelas 1838.jpg
100

Streaked Shearwater

Shearwaters and Petrels
File:Pterodroma gouldi - SE Tasmania.jpg
100

Gray-faced Petrel

Shearwaters and Petrels
File:Pelecanoides-garnotii By Roar Johansen.jpg
100

Peruvian Diving-Petrel

Shearwaters and Petrels