Flesh-footed Shearwater

The Flesh-footed Shearwater, Ardenna carneipes, is a medium-sized seabird with a uniform black plumage. It is distinguished by its pale pinkish feet and a pale bill that features a striking black tip.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Flesh-footed Shearwater, look for its dark plumage and contrasting pale bill with a black tip. The bird's pinkish feet are also a key characteristic. It is part of the Hemipuffinus group, closely related to the Pink-footed Shearwater, and may have a distant relative in the Great Shearwater.

Habitat

This species typically inhabits marine environments, often seen soaring over the open ocean.

Distribution

The Flesh-footed Shearwater has two main breeding areas: the southwest Pacific Ocean, including Lord Howe Island, South Australia, and northern New Zealand, and a second population along the coast of Western Australia. It is also a summer visitor in the North Pacific Ocean.

Behaviour

The Flesh-footed Shearwater is known for its breeding colonies and exhibits strong site fidelity, returning to the same breeding sites each year. It has been observed that different colonies may exhibit varying foraging strategies.

Similar Species

The Flesh-footed Shearwater is similar to the Pink-footed Shearwater, with recent studies suggesting they may be conspecific due to minimal genetic differences.

Conservation status

The Flesh-footed Shearwater is currently listed as Near Threatened. Populations are declining across its range, with the species listed as near threatened in Australia, nationally vulnerable in New Zealand, and recommended for listing under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It is also vulnerable in Western Australia and New South Wales and considered rare in South Australia. Threats include bycatch in fisheries, climate-related impacts, and heavy metal contamination, potentially from ingesting plastic debris mistaken for food.