---
title: "Identifying ACAP-listed Balearic from Manx and Yelkouan Shearwaters"
---

# Identifying ACAP-listed Balearic from Manx and Yelkouan Shearwaters

Marcel Gil-Velasco and colleagues have published in this month in the journal [British Birds](http://britishbirds.co.uk/) 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.”

 ![](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic Shearwater at sea.jpg) 

 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](http://britishbirds.co.uk/article/plumage-variability-and-field-identification-of-manx-yelkouan-and-balearic-shearwaters/).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 September 2015*