Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

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Brief #

Dark chocolate-brown plumage with a silvery strip along the center of the underwing.

Synonyms #

  • Pardela sombría (Spanish)
  • Pardela escura (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Sooty Shearwater is close to being at high risk of extinction in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

This shearwater is identifiable by its dark plumage, which is responsible for its name. In poor viewing conditions, it looks all black, but in good light, it shows as dark chocolate-brown with a silvery strip along the center of the underwing. It has the typical "shearing" flight of the genus, dipping from side to side on stiff wings with few wing beats, the wingtips almost touching the water. Its flight is powerful and direct, with wings held stiff and straight, giving the impression of a very small albatross.

Measurements #

Length: 40 - 51 cm
Wingspan: 0.94 - 1.09 m
Weight: 650 - 950 g

Similar species #