Great Shearwater

Overview

Great Shearwater (Ardenna gravis) is a species of Petrels, Shearwaters, Diving Petrels (Procellariidae) in the order Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters. A dark-capped shearwater that migrates across the Atlantic, a 'shearwater' skimming low over waves; breeds on remote South Atlantic islands; feeds on fish and squid, following ships.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Ardenna; binomial: Ardenna gravis; authority: (O'Reilly, 1818). Typical size: 45-50cm. Average lifespan: 15-25 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Atlantic Ocean. Non-breeding range: to s Atlantic off coasts of s South America and s Africa, and n to temperate and Arctic North Pacific Ocean to s coasts of Greenland and nw Europe.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.