General

Black-vented Shearwater: Medium-sized shearwater with brown-black upperparts, white underparts, and brown mottling on sides of breast and flanks. Dark cap extends below eye. Tail is dark. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Black-vented Shearwater: Breeds on islands off Baja California. Year-round visitor off the coast of southern California, but most commonly in late fall and winter. Lives on open ocean, only comes ashore to breed.

Breeding and Nesting

Black-vented Shearwater: One white egg is laid in a burrow or crevice lined with grass. Both parents incubate the egg for 51 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Black-vented Shearwater: Eats a variety of fish, crustaceans, and squid. Feeds by snatching food from the water surface, but sometimes plunge dives.

Vocalization

Black-vented Shearwater: Usually silent at sea.

Similar Species

Black-vented Shearwater: Manx Shearwater has white undertail coverts and more contrast between upperparts and underparts. Pink-footed Shearwater is larger with darker breast and underwings.