Marin County
|
Sooty Shearwater
|
 |
Gull-like Birds |
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
Description ALL BIRDS (not possible to age birds in the field in our region) Can appear all-dark at a distance, but at close range, and in good light, note sooty brown plumage and silvery white underwing coverts that form a striking bar, palest and broadest toward wingtip. Bill is rather long and more narrow in middle.
Dimensions Length: 16-18" (41-46 cm)
Habitat Breeds in southern hemisphere (during our winter). Undertakes clockwise circum-Atlantic nonbreeding travels and present in North Atlantic May-Aug.
Observation Tips Easy to see on pelagic trips during summer months and very occasionally gathers close to shores in Jul-Aug if feeding is good.
Range Alaska, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Western Canada, California, Southeast, Northwest, Florida, Eastern Canada
Voice Silent at sea.
Discussion Medium-sized shearwater with a slender, hook-tipped bill and tubular nostrils. Relatively long, stiffly held wings allow it to bank and glide effortlessly; particularly impressive in strong winds. Angle and intensity of light affects appearance of plumage colors, particularly on body and underwing. Sexes are similar.
