Flesh-footed Shearwater or Cape Verde Shearwater?

General appearance

The Flesh-footed Shearwater is recognized by its uniform dark plumage, with feathers ranging from warm brown to almost black. Its flesh-colored legs and feet are striking against the dark body. The bill is pale, broad, and hooked at the tip, which helps distinguish it from similar species. The sheer size of this bird can also be notable, as it measures approximately 40-45 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 99-107 centimeters. The wings are long and slender, enabling it to glide effortlessly over the ocean.

Male vs female

There is very minimal sexual dimorphism in the Flesh-footed Shearwater, making it challenging to differentiate males from females based solely on appearance. Both sexes display the same dark plumage and flesh-colored feet. Their sizes are also comparable, with no significant variance in weight or wingspan that would aid identification.

Juvenile

Juvenile Flesh-footed Shearwaters closely resemble adult birds in coloration and size. However, juveniles can be identified by their slightly less worn feather quality, often appearing fresher and less glossy than those of adults. They might also venture closer to breeding colonies as they explore their surroundings, offering a clue to their age.

Primary Habitat

The Flesh-footed Shearwater primarily inhabits the open oceans and coastal waters of the southern hemisphere. Its typical range includes the warm temperate and subtropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They regularly breed on islands off Australia and New Zealand, favoring burrows on sloped terrains with vegetation that offer shelter.

Additional Range

Beyond their main habitat, these birds might adapt to cooler waters, venturing into more northern latitudes during non-breeding seasons. Occasionally, they are observed in unexpected coastal areas, attracted by food availability, particularly during migratory journeys.

Natural diet

The Flesh-footed Shearwater, which inhabits open ocean areas, predominantly feeds on marine prey. Its diet mainly consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans, which it catches by surface seizing during gliding flights. The bird's feeding behavior shows some seasonal variation, with a higher intake of squid during breeding seasons when they are most abundant. Due to its pelagic lifestyle, the Flesh-footed Shearwater relies heavily on the availability of shoaling fish, benefiting from the natural processes and upwellings that bring prey to the ocean surface.

Bird feeders

Flesh-footed Shearwaters do not visit land-based bird feeders or consume typical feeder offerings such as seeds or suet. As a seabird, it is specialized in marine environments and does not adapt well to terrestrial feeding scenarios. If individuals are found near coastal regions or islands, it is usually in search of natural marine food sources or during breeding seasons, rather than seeking food from human-provided feeders. Bird feeding recommendations for shore or sea bird conservation should emphasize the preservation of their natural habitats and food sources rather than supplementing with alternatives suited to land birds.