The Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna griseus) is a medium-sized seabird with a distinctive dark plumage and long wings. It measures around 16-18 inches in length and has a wingspan of 40-44 inches. Adults weigh approximately 1.5-2.5 pounds. They have a pointed, slender bill, and their legs are set far back on their body, making them well adapted for swimming and diving.
The Sooty Shearwater’s dark plumage is uniform in color, with a slight glossy sheen to it. The underwing is paler than the upperwing, and the bird appears to have a distinct dark “M” shape on its upperwing when in flight. The bird’s wings are long and pointed, giving it a graceful and elegant appearance when in flight. The tail is wedge-shaped and has a dark band at the tip.
Sooty Shearwaters are highly migratory birds, and they travel great distances to breed and feed. They breed on islands in the southern hemisphere, including New Zealand, Australia, and South America. During the non-breeding season, they migrate northward, reaching as far north as the Bering Sea, the Aleutian Islands, and the coast of California. In the summer months, they move to the cooler waters of the Southern Ocean.
Sooty Shearwaters are pelagic birds, meaning they spend most of their life at sea, except when breeding. They feed on small fish, squid, and krill, often diving down to depths of up to 200 feet to catch their prey. They are known for their incredible stamina and ability to fly long distances without stopping, often traveling over 40,000 miles per year.
In conclusion, the Sooty Shearwater is a distinctive seabird with a dark plumage, long wings, and a pointed bill. It measures around 16-18 inches in length, has a wingspan of 40-44 inches, and weighs approximately 1.5-2.5 pounds. They are highly migratory birds, breeding on islands in the southern hemisphere and traveling great distances to feed and winter. These pelagic birds feed on small fish, squid, and krill, and are known for their incredible stamina and long-distance flight capabilities.