Wedge-tailed Shearwater Similar Species Comparison

Light morph

A large, slim shearwater with broad wings and a small head. Occurs in both light and dark morphs. Light morphs are more common in the North Pacific, dark morphs are more common in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Light morph has white underparts and white underwings with dark edges and tips.

Dark morph

Dark morph is brown overall, with slightly darker brown flight feathers.

A large shearwater with broad-based wings and a long, pointed tail. Often forages in large flocks. Dark morphs predominate in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Dark morph

In flight, note long, pointed tail, giving a wedge-shaped look. Both morphs show light scalloping on the scapulars and coverts.

Dark morph

Forages by flying low over ocean and plunging head slightly underwater to snatch fish and squid.

Flies low over the water on long, broad-based wings, mixing relaxed flaps with buoyant glides. Light morph has white underparts and white underwings with dark edges and tips. This is a slow-motion video.

Dark morph

Forages in flocks, often joining other seabirds, dolphins, and sea turtles in following predatory fish schools.