Balearic Shearwater
A species of Typical Shearwaters Scientific name : Puffinus mauretanicus Genus : Typical Shearwaters
Balearic Shearwater, A species of Typical Shearwaters
Botanical name: Puffinus mauretanicus
Genus: Typical Shearwaters
Content
Description General Info
Description
This bird is approximately 33 cm (13 in) long, with an 85–90 cm (33–35 in) wingspan. It has the typically "shearing" flight of the genus, dipping from side to side on stiff wings with few wingbeats, the wingtips almost touching the water. This bird looks like a flying cross, with its wing held at right angles to the body, and it changes from dark brown to dirty white as the dark upperparts and paler undersides are alternately exposed as it travels low over the sea. Apart from its less contrasting plumage, this species is very similar to the Manx and yelkouan shearwaters found elsewhere in the Mediterranean. At least one mixed breeding colony of Balearic and yelkouan shearwaters exists on Menorca, and the species' winter ranges overlap in the Central Mediterranean; for scientific purposes at least, a combination of morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data is suggested to identify the species. 
Size
38 cm
Life Expectancy
20 years
Feeding Habits
Balearic Shearwater, primarily consumes fish and mollusks, capturing its prey through diving. It exhibits independent foraging behavior, often not associating with boats for food. Unique adaptations or preferences are not specified.
Habitat
Balearic Shearwater's habitat encompasses marine environments, particularly inshore waters. These birds breed predominantly on the coastal cliffs and islets of island regions. While most remain near their breeding grounds year-round, during non-breeding seasons they can extend their range, venturing into the Atlantic and even as far as northern Europe. The species exhibits a preference for nesting on both offshore and occasionally inland coastal cliffs.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Behavior
This is a gregarious species, which can be seen in large numbers from boats or headlands, especially in autumn. It is silent at sea, but at night the breeding colonies are alive with raucous cackling calls, higher pitched than the Manx shearwater's.
Species Status
The Balearic shearwater is considered critically endangered with extinction by the IUCN. Recent models estimate a mean decrease of 7.4% per year and a mean extinction time of 40.4 years. This equates to an ongoing decline of more than 80% over the next three generations (54 years). It is under severe threat from the development of holiday resorts near its breeding sites. These can destroy or alter its natural breeding habitat by, for example, producing light pollution around nesting colonies. Predation from introduced animals such as cats and rats also cause problems. The discovery of yelkouan shearwaters in the Menorcan colony suggests that hybridization may also pose a problem.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Albatrosses and Petrels Family
Shearwaters and petrels Genus
Typical Shearwaters Species
Balearic Shearwater 
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