Feeding Behavior

Forages by plunging into water from low flight, by making shallow dives from surface, or by seizing items at or just below surface while swimming. Swims underwater better than some other shearwaters.

Eggs

One per season. White. Incubation is by both sexes, 47-55 days, rarely up to 63 days. Young: Both parents feed young. Parents abandon young after about 60 days, and it leaves nest 8-9 days later, going to sea alone.

Young

Both parents feed young. Parents abandon young after about 60 days, and it leaves nest 8-9 days later, going to sea alone.

Diet

Mostly small fish. Feeds on a variety of common small fish, especially herrings, sprats, sardines, sand lance; also squid, crustaceans.

Nesting

Breeding behavior known mostly from studies around Great Britain. Usually first breeds at age 5-6 years, and may mate for life. Nests in dense colonies on islands. Activity at colony entirely at night. Courtship not well known, but members of pair spend much time in nest several weeks before egg is laid. Nest: Site is in burrow, usually 3-6 feet long, excavated by both sexes; same burrow may be re-used for several years. Nest chamber is usually lined with small amount of grass, leaves.