Cory's Shearwater
A species of Large shearwaters Scientific name : Calonectris diomedea Genus : Large shearwaters
Cory's Shearwater, A species of Large shearwaters
Botanical name: Calonectris diomedea
Genus: Large shearwaters
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Marcabrera , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The cory's Shearwater is a large seabird found throughout Asia and Africa. It has a distinctive, powerful flight and a buoyant, almost gull-like appearance. This species feeds on small fish and squid, diving into the ocean to catch its prey. The Cory's Shearwater breeds on islands in the Mediterranean and can travel long distances to forage for food. It is also known for its long-distance migrations, traveling from its breeding grounds to winter in warmer waters.
Size
43-48 cm (17-19 in)
Life Expectancy
20-24.8 years
Feeding Habits
Cory's Shearwater predominantly eats fish, especially small pelagic species and larger scombroid fish, as well as squid, crustaceans, and various zooplankton. Showing adaptability, cory's Shearwater also consumes offal. They employ effective hunting techniques that correspond to their diverse diet.
Habitat
Cory's Shearwater predominantly inhabits marine and pelagic regions, favoring the open ocean far from land. The species generally breeds on desolate offshore islands where it nests in cliffs, caves, and boulder fields. Occasionally, cory's Shearwater can be found breeding on inland rocky slopes, and under certain tree types in the Azores. Despite being a seafaring bird, there have been unusual instances of cory's Shearwater crossing high mountain ranges.
Nest Behavior
Breeding season stretches from March to October. Cory's Shearwater shows courtship behavior which includes nibbling at each other's head and bill. They usually lay eggs and raise their young at night or late afternoon to avoid predators.
Nest Characteristics
Cory's Shearwater typically nests in burrows up to 3 feet long or crevices within rocks, but can also nest on the ground under dense vegetation. The nest consists of a simple pile of pebbles and shells.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Marcabrera , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Albatrosses and Petrels Family
Shearwaters and petrels Genus
Large shearwaters Species
Cory's Shearwater