Hutton's Shearwater
Puffinus huttoni
EndangeredAves · Procellariiformes · Procellariidae
About
Hutton's shearwater is a medium-sized ocean-going seabird in the family Procellariidae. Its range is Australian and New Zealand waters, but it breeds only in mainland New Zealand. Its conservation status is Endangered, because there are just two remaining breeding colonies, located in the Seaward Kaikōura Range. Six other shearwater colonies have been destroyed by introduced pigs. Hutton's shearwater is the only seabird in the world that is known to breed in alpine areas. Conservation measures for the bird include predator control at the breeding sites, establishing the Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary, and community initiatives to rescue birds that crash-land at night on streets in Kaikōura. A protected breeding area has also been created on the Kaikōura Peninsula, including a pest-exclusion fence and man-made burrows, with the initial population established by translocating fledglings from the remaining breeding colonies.
Fun Fact
Hutton's shearwater's foraging strategy is exclusively pursuit diving as they dive for prey.
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
Feed on what is available within 50 m of the surface and this can range from small fish to crustaceans, krill and cephalopods.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Poaching and Hunting
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Disease