Cape Verde Shearwater vs Barolo Shearwater

Cape Verde Shearwater

Calonectris edwardsii

How to recognise a cape verde shearwater?

Cape Verde Shearwater Identification

1. General appearance - The Cape Verde Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird, characterized by its slender body, long wings, and moderate forked tails. It has a mix of dark brown and pale grey coloration on its upper parts, with a more uniform greyish-white underside. A subtle darker cap over its head may blend into the pale throat. The wings, long and nimble, enable agile flight patterns over the ocean. 2. Male vs female - There is little to no visible differentiation between the male and female Cape Verde Shearwaters. Both sexes share an identical plumage pattern and size range, making it challenging to distinguish between them by appearance alone. 3. Juvenile - Juvenile Cape Verde Shearwaters resemble adults in many ways but may have slightly duller plumage. Young birds often exhibit a smaller build compared to fully-grown adults, with softer feather textures that later mature into the sleek and streamlined profile of adult shearwaters.

Size

16.9 - 20.9 in/10.2 - 14.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Cape Verde Shearwater primarily inhabits the coastal waters and islands of Cape Verde. It prefers temperate maritime climates, nesting on rocky cliffs and slopes near the ocean. These birds are pelagic and spend considerable time at sea, exploiting nutrient-rich waters for feeding.

Additional range

Outside nesting seasons, the shearwaters may venture into the open Atlantic Ocean, adapting to varying marine environments. They exhibit flexibility in habitat by occasionally foraging near different archipelagos, benefiting from seasonal oceanic shifts to expand their feeding grounds.

Range Map

What do cape verde shearwaters like to eat?

Natural diet

The Cape Verde Shearwater is primarily a marine bird, and its diet is composed of various marine organisms found in the ocean. These birds predominantly feed on small fish, such as sardines and anchovies, which they capture by diving into the water. They are also known to consume squid and crustaceans, often locating their prey near the sea surface. These shearwaters are opportunistic feeders and may follow other marine predators, like dolphins, to find food. Their feeding habits can vary with seasonal shifts in prey availability; during certain times of the year, they may focus more on squid if fish populations are low.

Bird feeders

Cape Verde Shearwaters are not typically attracted to bird feeders as they are ocean-dwelling birds that seek food primarily in marine environments. Unlike songbirds or other terrestrial avians, their feeding habits are not suited to consuming seeds, fruits, or suet often provided at bird feeders. Instead, their natural preference leans towards maritime life, where they can find the necessary nutrients and energy to sustain themselves. Residential areas are unlikely to see these birds at feeders, as they thrive on ocean currents and the bounty they provide.

There's more to learn about Cape Verde Shearwater

View full details

Barolo Shearwater

Puffinus baroli

How to recognise a barolo shearwater?

General Appearance

The Barolo Shearwater is a small seabird, typically measuring about 27-30 cm in length with a wingspan ranging between 67-72 cm. Its plumage is predominantly black and white, with the upper parts including the back and wings being a rich black while the underparts, including the belly and underwings, are a bright white. A distinct and thin black band runs across the leading edges of the wings, visible in flight. Their beak is slender and dark gray, complementing their small rounded head. Legs and feet are also dark, often having a slightly bluish tint.

Male vs Female

The Barolo Shearwater shows no significant sexual dimorphism as both males and females have similar size and plumage. This similarity in appearance makes it challenging to distinguish their sexes visually in the wild. Observations during the breeding season might provide slight variations in behavior rather than physical characteristics. Hence, both sexes are equally involved in nesting duties, including incubation and feeding of the chicks.

Juvenile

Juvenile Barolo Shearwaters differ slightly from adults primarily in the sharpness and intensity of their plumage colors. Younger birds may appear duller with a less distinct contrast between the black and white areas. The feather edges in juveniles often have a slightly frayed look as they transition into adult plumage. As they mature, they quickly take on the brighter and more defined coloration seen in adults. However, there are no drastic changes in size or shape between juveniles and adults.

Size

11.0 - 13.0 in/6.0 oz

Habitat

Primary Habitat

The Barolo Shearwater primarily inhabits subtropical and temperate marine environments. They are typically found around the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira. These seabirds prefer open oceans and coastal waters, especially during breeding periods, where they nest in cliffs and rocky shores to take advantage of sea breezes for effortless take-off.

Additional Range

Though mainly found in the Atlantic near their breeding grounds, Barolo Shearwaters have been spotted in less expected areas like the North Sea and off the western coasts of Africa. This indicates their adaptability and occasional ventures outside subtropical zones, possibly driven by changing food availability or migratory patterns.

Range Map

What do barolo shearwaters like to eat?

Natural diet

The Barolo Shearwater primarily feeds on small fish and squid found in their marine environment. Their diet largely consists of forage fish such as anchovies, sardines, and other small shoaling species. During the breeding season, they may also consume crustaceans and plankton available in the Atlantic Ocean. These birds are adapted to plunge-diving and surface-seizing techniques to catch their prey. Seasonal variations in their diet occur, as they travel across different ocean regions, yet small fish remain the core component.

Bird feeders

Barolo Shearwaters do not typically visit terrestrial bird feeders. As marine birds, their dietary habits are not well-suited for land-based feeder offerings like seeds, fruits, or suet. Their nutritional needs are met via their oceanic diet, which provides essential proteins and oils. Consequently, setting up a conventional bird feeder would not attract these seabirds. However, preserving their natural habitats and ensuring healthy ocean ecosystems are crucial for their sustenance. Efforts to keep coastal and marine areas free of pollution and disturbances can indirectly support their dietary needs.

There's more to learn about Barolo Shearwater

View full details

Cape Verde Shearwater

Tap To compare

Barolo Shearwater

Cape Verde Shearwater

Calonectris edwardsii

Cape Verde Shearwater Identification

1. General appearance - The Cape Verde Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird, characterized by its slender body, long wings, and moderate forked tails. It has a mix of dark brown and pale grey coloration on its upper parts, with a more uniform greyish-white underside. A subtle darker cap over its head may blend into the pale throat. The wings, long and nimble, enable agile flight patterns over the ocean. 2. Male vs female - There is little to no visible differentiation between the male and female Cape Verde Shearwaters. Both sexes share an identical plumage pattern and size range, making it challenging to distinguish between them by appearance alone. 3. Juvenile - Juvenile Cape Verde Shearwaters resemble adults in many ways but may have slightly duller plumage. Young birds often exhibit a smaller build compared to fully-grown adults, with softer feather textures that later mature into the sleek and streamlined profile of adult shearwaters.

Size

16.9 - 20.9 in/10.2 - 14.3 oz

There's more to learn about Cape Verde Shearwater

View full details

Barolo Shearwater

Puffinus baroli

General Appearance

The Barolo Shearwater is a small seabird, typically measuring about 27-30 cm in length with a wingspan ranging between 67-72 cm. Its plumage is predominantly black and white, with the upper parts including the back and wings being a rich black while the underparts, including the belly and underwings, are a bright white. A distinct and thin black band runs across the leading edges of the wings, visible in flight. Their beak is slender and dark gray, complementing their small rounded head. Legs and feet are also dark, often having a slightly bluish tint.

Male vs Female

The Barolo Shearwater shows no significant sexual dimorphism as both males and females have similar size and plumage. This similarity in appearance makes it challenging to distinguish their sexes visually in the wild. Observations during the breeding season might provide slight variations in behavior rather than physical characteristics. Hence, both sexes are equally involved in nesting duties, including incubation and feeding of the chicks.

Juvenile

Juvenile Barolo Shearwaters differ slightly from adults primarily in the sharpness and intensity of their plumage colors. Younger birds may appear duller with a less distinct contrast between the black and white areas. The feather edges in juveniles often have a slightly frayed look as they transition into adult plumage. As they mature, they quickly take on the brighter and more defined coloration seen in adults. However, there are no drastic changes in size or shape between juveniles and adults.

Size

11.0 - 13.0 in/6.0 oz

There's more to learn about Barolo Shearwater

View full details

How to tell the Cape Verde Shearwater from the Barolo Shearwater

Visual differences

Cape Verde Shearwaters (17-21 inches, 10-14 oz) are larger than Barolo Shearwaters (11-13 inches, 6 oz). The Cape Verde Shearwater features mostly brown and gray plumage with a contrasting lighter belly, while the Barolo Shearwater has crisp black upperparts and stark white underparts. Both birds have slender gray bills, but the larger Cape Verde exhibits a more robust appearance. Barolo Shearwaters showcase sharper plumage contrast. Overall, the Cape Verde appears more substantial with softer contrasts, whereas the Barolo presents a smaller, sharply delineated look.

Key differences and behavior

Cape Verde Shearwaters (Calonectris edwardsii) and Barolo Shearwaters (Puffinus baroli) both inhabit marine environments, yet they have distinct behaviors. Cape Verde Shearwaters are more reliant on dynamic ocean currents, often seen utilizing air currents for energy-efficient long-distance flights. They are primarily active during the day, with eerie calls marking their territory. In contrast, Barolo Shearwaters are nocturnal, navigating by stars and displaying playful zigzag flying patterns. Cape Verde Shearwaters nest on Cape Verde's rocky islands, while Barolo Shearwaters favor cliffs in the Canary Islands and similar regions. Both breed monogamously, laying a single egg, but Barolo Shearwaters engage in courtship at night. Feeding on small fish and squid, both are opportunistic feeders. Cape Verde Shearwaters may follow marine predators to locate food, while Barolos adapt their diet seasonally. Vocalization patterns, nesting locations, and daily activity cycles are key behavioral differences.