Flesh-footed Shearwater

Ardenna carneipes

Order: Procellariiformes / Family: Procellariidae

brown medium seabird coastal migratory colonial common widespread

About the Flesh-footed Shearwater

The Flesh-footed Shearwater, scientifically known as Ardenna carneipes, is a seabird belonging to the Procellariidae family. These shearwaters are significant members of the marine ecosystems they inhabit, serving as indicators of oceanic health. They predominantly breed on islands in the southern hemisphere, including Lord Howe Island, South Australia, and various islands off New Zealand. The species is notable for its impressive migratory patterns, traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding and non-breeding seasons. During the breeding season, they inhabit and nest on forested islands, often forming large, dense colonies that play a critical role in the nutrient cycling of these ecosystems. The Flesh-footed Shearwater's ecological role extends beyond its breeding islands as it feeds on a variety of marine life, thus maintaining the balance of oceanic food webs. Its seasonal behaviors include long-distance migrations where it undertakes broad oceanic crossings to reach its feeding grounds across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The shearwater's ability to adapt to different marine environments demonstrates its resilience, although it faces significant threats from human activities such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change.

The Flesh-footed Shearwater belongs to the family Procellariidae, within the order Procellariiformes. These birds typically live average lifespan is around 15-20 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of over 30 years..

How to Identify a Flesh-footed Shearwater

The Flesh-footed Shearwater is medium-sized with a length of about 40-48 cm and a wingspan ranging from 99-107 cm. Adult plumage is uniformly dark brown to black, with a slightly paler underbelly, which can appear lighter in bright sunlight. The bird's most distinguishing field mark is its flesh-colored legs and feet, a feature that sets it apart from other similar species. Juvenile Flesh-footed Shearwaters resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage. There is no significant sexual dimorphism in this species, as males and females appear similar in size and coloration. In flight, the Flesh-footed Shearwater exhibits a distinctive silhouette with long, slender wings and a strong, direct flight pattern. While on land, these shearwaters have a characteristic upright posture, often seen waddling awkwardly due to their webbed feet.

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Flesh-footed Shearwater Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

The Flesh-footed Shearwater primarily inhabits open ocean environments, returning to land only during the breeding season. They are typically found nesting on forested islands with sandy or loamy soil suitable for burrowing. Preferred elevations are generally at sea level to a few hundred meters above, as they favor coastal environments. Unlike some seabird species, the Flesh-footed Shearwater does not typically nest in urban areas, remaining within remote, less disturbed island habitats. Seasonal habitat shifts occur as they migrate across vast oceanic expanses depending on the time of year and availability of food resources.

Geographic Range

The breeding range of the Flesh-footed Shearwater encompasses islands in the southern hemisphere, including those off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. Major breeding colonies can be found on Lord Howe Island and the islands surrounding New Zealand's North Island. During the non-breeding season, these birds undertake migrations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They have been observed as far north as the waters off the coasts of Japan and California. Migration corridors follow oceanic currents, allowing the shearwaters to exploit rich feeding grounds. Population density hotspots include the Tasman Sea and regions off the southern coast of Australia, where they gather in large numbers during feeding.

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What Does the Flesh-footed Shearwater Eat?

Flesh-footed Shearwaters primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their diet varies seasonally, with a preference for small fish like anchovies and sardines during migrations. They employ a variety of foraging techniques, including surface seizing and plunge diving. Prey size typically ranges from small to medium, and they are known to follow fishing vessels to feed on bycatch. Feeding often occurs in the early morning or late afternoon when fish are closer to the surface. The shearwaters are opportunistic feeders, adjusting their diet based on the availability of prey and oceanic conditions.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Behavior and Social Structure

Flesh-footed Shearwaters exhibit social behaviors, often forming large flocks during migration and feeding. They are colonial nesters, with breeding colonies ranging from a few dozen to thousands of pairs. During the breeding season, pairs engage in courtship displays that include synchronized flying and vocalizations. The species is not highly territorial, and nesting burrows are often in close proximity to one another. In response to predators, these shearwaters rely on their burrow nests for protection and exhibit evasive flight patterns to escape threats. Daily activity patterns involve extensive foraging trips at sea, often traveling long distances from their breeding sites.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Nesting and Reproduction

Flesh-footed Shearwaters nest in burrows or rock crevices, which they excavate in sandy or loamy soils on forested islands. The nest is typically lined with leaves and twigs to provide insulation for the eggs. A typical clutch consists of a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation duties over a period of about 50 days. Once hatched, the chick remains in the nest for approximately 90-100 days, during which both parents participate in feeding. The species generally raises one brood per year. Parental roles are shared, with each adult undertaking long foraging trips to gather food for the chick.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Sounds and Vocalizations

The primary vocalizations of the Flesh-footed Shearwater include deep, guttural calls that resemble a series of croaks or low-pitched moans. During the breeding season, these calls become more frequent, especially at night within the colony. Alarm calls are sharper, serving as a warning to nearby shearwaters of potential danger. While not known for a melodious dawn chorus, the colony's vocalizations can create a continuous background hum, particularly during peak breeding times.

Interesting Facts About the Flesh-footed Shearwater

1Flesh-footed Shearwaters can travel over 15,000 kilometers during their migratory journeys each year.
2This species has a unique ability to drink seawater, excreting excess salt through specialized glands.
3A single colony on Lord Howe Island can consist of up to 20,000 breeding pairs.
4Flesh-footed Shearwaters possess a keen sense of smell, used to locate prey over vast oceanic distances.
5The name 'Flesh-footed' refers specifically to the bird's distinctive pinkish feet and legs.
6During peak feeding times, these shearwaters can dive to depths of up to 10 meters to catch prey.
7Despite their long-distance flying abilities, they are often clumsy and awkward on land.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Conservation Status

The IUCN currently lists the Flesh-footed Shearwater as Near Threatened, with populations showing a decreasing trend. Primary threats include habitat degradation, bycatch in fisheries, and plastic pollution. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and management, particularly on breeding islands. Historical population changes indicate a decline due to increased human activity and introduced predators on breeding islands. International cooperation is essential to address the migratory and transboundary nature of the threats facing this species.