Seabirds

Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

The most numerous shearwater in Alaskan waters, with estimated Pacific populations exceeding 20 million. Short-tailed Shearwaters breed in Australia and undertake one of the longest migrations of any bird, passing through Alaskan waters in enormous flocks during spring and fall. Uniform sooty-brown with a pale underwing flash.

Where to look

Offshore in the Bering Sea and along the Aleutian chain, especially during late spring (northbound) and fall (southbound) migrations. Often seen in flocks of thousands from Aleutian ferry crossings.

Habitat

Open ocean; non-breeding visitor to Alaska.

Diet

Euphausiids, small fish, and squid.

Natural history note

Short-tailed Shearwaters travel over 9,000 miles each way between their Australian breeding grounds and Alaskan feeding waters — one of Earth's longest annual migrations.