Balearic Shearwater

The Balearic shearwater is a relatively small dark-brown shearwater, displaying a dirty beige colour on the ventral side and underwings. As a coastal sea bird, it does not wonder far off the continental shelf. It passes the Portuguese continental coast particularly between July and February, feeding mostly on small pelagic fish (e.g. sardine – Sardina pilchardus, european anchovy – Engraulis encrasicolus, mackerel – Scomber colias), cephalopods and discards from coastal fisheries. This species nests solely in the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean, making it the most threatened sea bird in Europe, with a decreasing population trend.

For further information, please visit Atlas das Aves Marinhas de Portugal.