Macaronesian Shearwater Puffinus baroli (Bonaparte, 1857)

Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Procellariidae
Species: Puffinus baroli (Bonaparte, 1857)

Description
This bird is like a small version of the Manx Shearwater. The upper parts are black while the underside is white. The wings and head are more rounded. The face is white with the dark eye standing out (unlike the Manx Shearwater, in which the eye is in the dark part of the face). The rear edges of the wings are silvery-grey. The call is melodious and laughing.
When in mixed groups, the Macaronesian Shearwater can be differentiated by its quicker flight, more rapid wingbeats, its shorter bill and the black eye in its white face. Generally does not fly in arcs nor does the bird often glide. Sometimes raises its head during flight.

Distribution
This species is exclusive to the Madeira, Azores and Canary archipelagos. In the Madeira archipelago, nests on Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens islands.

Habitat
This seabird lives all year relatively near to its breeding area but is very rarely seen and/or identified since it does not follow ships and, with its wave-top flight, is easily missed.

Breeding
Macaronesian Shearwater is a pelagic bird that nests on the cliffs of small islands and rocks. It builds its nest in rock cavities and under loose stones. The eggs, one per pair of birds, are laid no later than February and the juveniles leave their nests in May/June, when these are then occupied by Bulwer’s Petrels or Cory’s Shearwaters.

Madeira name: Pintaínho
Madeira popular name (called by fishermen): Fura-buxos
Madeira Archipelago breeder
Social: Small flocks
Length: 25 – 30 cm
Status: Vulnerable
Seasonality in Madeira: From December to May

Recommend Tours to watch this species:
Zino's Petrel Pelagic Expedition