General
Balearic Shearwater: Medium-sized seabird with rather pointed wings and slender bill. Adult plumages can vary from being dark brown above with differing amounts of dark brown and white on underparts to being entirely dark brown. White wing linings, a light coloured eye ring, and grey bill are shown in all plumages. Sexes similar. In flight, has heavy looking, "protruding" belly compared to other shearwaters, and has toes that project beyond short tail.
Range and Habitat
Balearic Shearwater: Summer visitor to areas of south England, western Wales, and the east coast from July through September. Migrates to the south of France and Balearic islands for breeding in summer. Can be seen plunge-diving for food or resting on the surface of the water in coastal areas.
Breeding and Nesting
Balearic Shearwater: Birds are philopatric, returning to their birth area to nest. Adults do not breed until 3rd year, and only one egg is laid. Breeding is on cliffs and small islets; nests are in burrows with winding tunnels, visited only at night as a strategy for protection from predators.
Foraging and Feeding
Balearic Shearwater: Feeds on mollusks, squid, and small fish such as anchovies, sprats and sardines. Probably relies more on foraging than on scavenging, but takes opportunistic advantage of fishery discards, especially during breeding season.
Vocalisation
Balearic Shearwater: On breeding grounds makes raucous, coughing calls, especially when in colonies.
Similar Species
Balearic Shearwater: The Sooty Shearwater is larger and lacks the whitish center to belly. It is also less brown overall and has longer wings. The Manx Shearwater has strikingly white underparts and underwing.