Fauna
Bird

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris diomedea

Also known as Scopoli's Shearwater, Mediterranean Shearwater

Cory's shearwaters spend months at sea, effortlessly gliding over ocean swells using dynamic soaring to travel immense distances with minimal wingbeats. At night, breeding pairs return to remote Mediterranean and Atlantic cliffs, filling the darkness with eerie, wailing calls around their nesting burrows. They feed in large raft-like flocks on small fish and squid, frequently gathering around fishing vessels to scramble for discarded catch.

PelagicSeabirdMigratory
Cory's Shearwater reference1 / 7
Telegro / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySmall fish, Squid, Pelagic crustaceans
Predators
  • Invasive rats
  • Feral cats
  • Large gulls
ThreatsInvasive island predators, fisheries bycatch, light pollution
HabitatsOpen ocean, coastal seas, rocky islands, offshore cliffs
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. FamilyProcellariidae
  2. SpeciesCalonectris diomedea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance, especially from pelagic boats or coastal lookouts.
What to notice
Recognized by broad wings, brownish-grey upperparts, white belly, and pale yellow bill.
Support conservation
Observe from pelagic boat tours or coastal lookouts without disturbing nest burrows.
Responsible observation
  • Pelagic Observation: Look for them gliding low over wave troughs using stiff-winged dynamic soaring.
  • Colony Respect: Avoid visiting island nesting cliffs at night to prevent disturbing breeding pairs.
Related species
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