General

Little Shearwater: Tiny shearwater with dark brown upperparts and white underparts; dark cap extends only to eye. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Little Shearwater: Breeds on scattered islands on the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere, roams widely in the Southern Hemisphere or eastern Atlantic Ocean in the nonbreeding season. Recorded three times on the Atlantic Coast of North America.

Breeding and Nesting

Little Shearwater: Nests in colonies on rocky or grassy islands. Lays one white egg in burrow or rock crevice. Both parents incubate for 52 to 58 days, alternating every 2 days. Chick flies at 70 to 75 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Little Shearwater: Feeds on fish, squid, and crustaceans. Dives and swims for food, also picks food off surface of water, pattering with feet across water while holding wings above back.

Vocalization

Little Shearwater: Silent at sea.

Similar Species

Little Shearwater: Audubon Shearwater is slightly larger, has a dark face, and more dark coloration on its underwings.