Manx Shearwater: A Mysterious Bird with a Haunting Call
Description:
The Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) is a small, black-and-white shearwater with a distinctive facial pattern. Its upperparts are typically dark and smudgy with white, and it has a white rump.
The Manx shearwater has a wingspan of about 24-28 inches. Its wings are narrow and pointed, and it flies with a series of rapid, stiff-winged flaps. The Manx shearwater is a strong flyer and can travel long distances.
Distribution and Habitat:
The Manx shearwater is found in the North Atlantic Ocean, from the coasts of Europe to the coasts of North America. It breeds on islands off the coasts of the UK, Ireland, and France, and it winters in the waters off the coasts of South America and Africa.
Behavior:
The Manx shearwater is a pelagic bird, which means that it spends most of its time at sea. It is a solitary bird, but it will gather in large flocks during the breeding season. The Manx shearwater is a nocturnal bird, and it spends the day at sea, returning to its breeding colonies at night to roost.
Diet:
The Manx shearwater is a piscivore, which means that it eats fish. It also eats squid and crustaceans. The Manx shearwater is a surface feeder, and it catches its prey by diving into the water.
Conservation:
The Manx shearwater is a threatened species. The population has declined in recent years due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect the Manx shearwater and its habitat.
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