The Manx shearwater is a remarkable seabird known for its extraordinary long-distance migrations and graceful flight over the open ocean. With its sleek, torpedo-shaped body and long, slender wings, the Manx shearwater is perfectly adapted to life at sea.
Named after the Isle of Man, where it was first scientifically described, this seabird breeds in large colonies on remote islands and cliffs along the coasts of the North Atlantic. During the breeding season, these colonies come alive with the sounds of their distinctive calls and the sight of thousands of birds wheeling and soaring overhead.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Manx shearwater’s biology is its remarkable migration. After breeding, individuals embark on an incredible journey southward, traveling thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean to wintering grounds off the coast of South America. This migration is one of the longest recorded for any bird species, with some individuals traveling over 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles) in search of food.
To fuel their epic journey, Manx shearwaters rely on a diet of fish, squid, and crustaceans, which they catch by plunge-diving into the ocean from great heights. Their streamlined bodies and powerful wings enable them to dive with precision and agility, allowing them to capture prey with remarkable efficiency.
During the non-breeding season, Manx shearwaters spend the majority of their time at sea, often far from land. They are highly adapted to life on the open ocean, with specialized salt glands that allow them to excrete excess salt from their bodies and a keen sense of smell that helps them locate food over vast distances.
Distribution
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Brazil
Canada
Cape Verde
Chile
Costa Rica
Cuba
Côte D’ivoire
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
France
French Guiana
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greenland
Guadeloupe
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Iceland
Ireland
Liberia
Mauritania
Morocco
Namibia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Panama
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Saint Helena
Saint Pierre
Saint Vincent
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Georgia
Spain
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Trinidad & Tobago
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
