SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus

SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus

L 40–51 cm, WS 94–109 cm.
 

IDENTIFICATION 

Rather large shearwater and the only regularly occurring all-dark species. Wings long and narrow, appearing set relatively far back along body and usually held in backward-angled position. Flight action strong, with several rapid, stiff-winged flaps followed by a long glide. In stronger winds progression faster, banking and swinging (although less prone to high bounding than other large species). Does not often follow ships, but scavenges at trawlers. Species distinguished (from all but vagrant Flesh-footed and Wedge-tailed, or Jouanin’s Petrel, q.v.) by wholly dark plumage, apart from pale silvery underwing coverts, long wings and distinctive flight action. 

Pale underwing coverts often show conspicuously when bird banks over on its side (and in strong light entire underwing can seem pale silvery- grey), but in dull conditions often looks all-dark. Bill and legs dark. Can be confused with darkest mauretanicus Mediterranean, but latter smaller, with at least whitish centre to belly (although can look all-dark at long range), and is browner overall, shorter-winged and not so heavy-bodied. For distinctions from dark skuas see family introduction.

VOICE 

Silent at sea.

UNUSUAL VARIANTS 

Partial albinism rare, but some symmetrically patterned individuals can vaguely suggest Cape Petrel (q.v.).

STATUS/HABITAT 

Locally fairly common but generally uncommon. A non-breeding visitor from Southern Oceans (spending northern summer mainly in NW Atlantic), mostly occurring in our region during southbound migration in late summer/autumn. Rare in Mediterranean but surprisingly regular in Gulf of Aqaba. Mainly pelagic away from breeding colonies, but locally comes close inshore.