Wildlife
Manx shearwaters are daredevil fliers when out at sea. Skimming along the troughs of waves with rapid stiff-winged flaps, they fly so low that their wingtips almost touch the water. Little wonder they're called shearwaters as they pull off spectacular banking and 'shearing' manoeuvers. It may come as no surprise that there was once a large colony of Manx shearwaters on the Isle of Man. Though devastated by introduced rats, this colony is once again on the increase. These brilliant fliers are also excellent swimmers, but dreadful walkers - only coming on to land to breed. Their cackling calls make a breeding colony a very noisy affair.
Did you know?
The Welsh islands of Skomer and Skokholm are home to the world's largest population of Manx shearwaters.
Scientific name: Puffinus puffinus
Rank: Species
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Shearwater tracker
A tiny geolocater allows Professor Tim Guildford to track the migration patterns of shearwaters.
A tiny geolocater allows Professor Tim Guildford to track the migration patterns of shearwaters.
Shearwaters return
Manx shearwaters return to Skomer Island to start the breeding season.
Manx shearwaters return to Skomer Island to start the breeding season.
Chubby chick
Fat chicks result from the huge eggs laid by Manx shearwaters.
Fat chicks result from the huge eggs laid by Manx shearwaters.
All at sea
Designed for life over water, how do Manx shearwaters spend their days?
Designed for life over water, how do Manx shearwaters spend their days?
Shearwater exploits
The intriguing nocturnal and navigational behaviour of a true seabird, the Manx shearwater.
The intriguing nocturnal and navigational behaviour of a true seabird, the Manx shearwater.
The Manx shearwater can be found in a number of locations including: Europe, Russia, United Kingdom, Wales. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Manx shearwater distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Year assessed: 2009
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) is a medium-sized shearwater in the seabird family Procellariidae. The scientific name of this species records a name shift: Manx Shearwaters were called Manks Puffins in the 17th century. Puffin is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English pophyn) for the cured carcasses of nestling shearwaters. The Atlantic Puffin acquired the name much later, possibly because of its similar nesting habits.
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Helpless young
Migration
Colonial
Adapted to flying
Acoustic communication
Maternal care
Monogamous
Egg layer