Identifying ACAP-listed Balearic from Manx and Yelkouan Shearwaters

Marcel Gil-Velasco and colleagues have published in this month in the journal British Birds on identifying the three small shearwaters that breed within Europe.

The paper’s abstract follows:

“Three medium-sized Puffinus shearwaters breed in Europe: Manx P. puffinus, Yelkouan P. yelkouan and Balearic Shearwaters P. mauretanicus.  These three, considered a single, polytypic species until relatively recently, can be difficult to identify in some situations, notably in a vagrant context.  This paper presents a detailed review of the plumage variability of the three taxa; combined with an understanding of structural differences and flight characteristics, this should provide a sound basis for the identification of problematic individuals.”

 

Balearic Shearwater

Reference:

Gil-Velasco, M., Rodríguez, G., Menzie, S., Arcos, J.M. 2015.  Plumage variability and field identification of Manx, Yelkouan and Balearic Shearwaters.  British Birds Vol. 108.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 September 2015

The Agreement on the
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels

ACAP is a multilateral agreement which seeks to conserve listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters by coordinating international activity to mitigate known threats to their populations.

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