Fulmars, Shearwaters

Sooty Shearwater, Puffinus griseus

Family Procellariidae (Fulmars, Shearwaters)

Size: 17"

Season: Spring–fall

Habitat: Open ocean, sometimes near the coastline

The sooty shearwater is a relatively common seabird off the New England coast and can often be seen in huge flocks where food is abundant. It has relatively narrow wings; a long, thin, blackish bill; and dark feet. The plumage, true to its name, is a sooty gray brown overall except for a whitish patch along the greater coverts of the underside of the wings. Flight is a combination of rapid wing beats, glides, and arcing turns. Sooty shearwaters dive underwater for fish, squid, and invertebrates, propelled by their wings, and will readily follow fishing vessels at sea. The adult is illustrated.