Newell's Shearwater Identification

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Newell's Shearwater Photos and Videos

A small black-and-white shearwater with a long tail and large wings. Black above and white below, with white “saddlebags” extending up behind the wings.

In flight, note mostly white underwings bordered by black edges and wingtips.

A strong, fast flier, with rapid wingbeats and little gliding.

Black above, with white extension behind the eyes and white “saddlebags” behind the wings.

Forages over deep ocean waters, where it feeds mostly on flying squid and flying fish.

See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

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Identification

A small shearwater, black above and white below with a long tail and long, thin bill. The white on the belly extends up on to the flanks, forming a distinctive white spot behind each wing. Nests primarily on Kauai, with smaller numbers on other islands. Regularly observed offshore from boats, especially around Kauai, but sometimes near other islands. The voice, usually heard only at breeding colonies, is similar to the braying of a small donkey.