Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

Family: Petrels, Shearwaters, and Diving Petrels · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 41–43 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds in southeast Australia and migrates north to the Bering Sea during the northern summer, passing through the Singapore Strait primarily in May.

Identification

Overall dark sooty-brown plumage with pale chin, slightly paler breast and belly, prominent whitish area on underwing-coverts, and toes extending beyond tip of short tail in flight.

Habitat

Open seas.

Behaviour

Flight direct, consisting of a flapping rise followed by a long downward glide.