ILLUSTRATION
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PHOTOS
CONSERVATION STATUS
The Flesh-footed Shearwater is classified as Least Concern at this time. The previous rating of this bird species was Lower Risk, which was downgraded to the current evaluation. There is some evidence to suggest that the Flesh-footed Shearwater may be facing dangers in Australia as a result of fishing, but its range is still quite large around the globe. The population of this bird species at this time is estimated to be around 650,000 individual birds. At present, the global population of the Flesh-footed Shearwater is not thought to be in danger.
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SUMMARY
Overview
Flesh-footed Shearwater: Large, bulky shearwater with dark brown body, darker head and tail. Bill is large and pink with a dark tip. Wings are dark with brown-edged coverts that become paler with wear. Legs and feet are pale pink. Slow flight, alternates stiff-winged flapping and gliding near water.
Range and Habitat
Flesh-footed Shearwater: Breeds on islands off the coast of western Australia, on Lord Howe Island east of Australia, and in New Zealand. Summer visitor to the north Pacific and south to British Columbia; rarely as far south as California. Pelagic, comes ashore only to breed.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to Call
Flesh-footed Shearwater
Voice Text
"gug-gug-gug","ku-koo-ah"
INTERESTING FACTS
- In the non-breeding season, the Flesh-footed Shearwater inhabits the open ocean. It prefers to keep to warm waters, not commonly venturing as far north as many other shearwater species.
- They are closely related to Pink-footed Shearwaters, and some authorities consider them to be the same species.
- With the spread of introduced predators these birds survive best on islands without mammalian predators.
- A group of shearwaters are collectively known as an "improbability" of shearwaters.
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