Wedged-Tailed Shearwater
This bird got its name because of the way it hunts for food. It skims close to the surface of the water and then plunges into the water or wave to catch fish or squid. " Shear" means to cut or slice through which describes the diving action of the bird. The shearwater has a brownish gray back and tail, and a light gray chest. They are about the size of a pigeon and have webbed feet which makes it possible for them to kick off from the surface of the water or a wave. They are often call the "moaning birds" because of their whaling or crying sounds.

When schools of predator fish such as tuna force smaller fish and squid to the surface of the water the wedge-tailded shearwaters gather to feed in these areas. This is also a sign for fisherman who are trying to catch the larger fish! Shearwaters also eat larvae pushed to the surface by goat fish, mackerel scad or flying fish. A pointed beak acts like a spear to grab squid and fish and they have a gland the helps to remove extra salt from their food.

The sheartwaters nest on the ground in burrows that measure two to three feet in length. Only one egg is laid which hatches after around 52 days. Incubation is shared by the adults who switch every 10 days or so to feed out at sea. Nocturnal in a colony they are more active at night during the nesting season. Chicks hatch in late summer and fed by their parents every 24 hours.

Shearwater Wedged Tail seabirds nest in moderate numbers on the Mokulua Islands and anyone who goes to the islands during the season should take great care when walking around to avoid stepping on the burrows. If you see an injured Shearwater Wedge Tail and are able to catch them the bird should be taken to Sea Life Park.