Little Shearwater - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Puffinus assimilis

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 13 Nov 2024

Description

A small shearwater, bluish black above and chalky white below, with a white face and white underwings with narrow black margins. Bill short, slender and grey-black, legs bright cobalt-blue with black markings, feet pale bluish with webs tending to be flesh coloured, eyes brown.

Distribution

A widespread species in the subtropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Lord Howe Island has one of the larger breeding colonies in the Australian region.

Habitat and ecology

Marine
Breeding sites at Lord Howe Island include Roach Island, Muttonbird Island, Blackburn Island and on the main Island at Muttonbird Point and Transit Hill.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Impact of weeds, particularly Asparagus Fern on habitat.
Predation by rodents at the nesting grounds.
Potential effects of invasion by exotic species and/or pathogens.
Big headed ants - predate chicks - disturb nests.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 4 priority actions to help recover the Little Shearwater in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control and eradicate introduced rodents.
Control introduced weeds, particularly Asparagus Fern in habitat of the Little Shearwater.

Information sources

Hutton, I. (1991) Birds of Lord Howe Island Past and Present.
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (2007) Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan
Schodde, R. and Mason, I.J. (1999) The Directory of Australian Birds. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Ocean	Batemans Shelf	Known	None
Ocean	Hawkesbury Shelf	Known	None
Ocean	Manning Shelf	Known	None
Ocean	South Pacific Ocean	Known	None
Ocean	Tweed-Moreton	Known	None
Ocean	Twofold Shelf	Known	None
Other State	Jervis Bay Territory	Known	None
Pacific Subtropical Islands	Lord Howe Island	Known	None

Images

Chick, Little Shearwater
Enlarge image

Nature conservation

Threatened species