The Cory's shearwater (Calonectris borealis) is a seabird in the family Procellariidae. The Cory's shearwater ranges widely in Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean and occasionally in Indian Ocean. These species breed in islands off Portugal and Spain.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had categorized and evaluated these shearwater species and had listed them as of 'Least Concern'.
These shearwater are medium sized birds, measuring 50 to 55 cm in length and weighing 600 to 1000 grams. Their wingspan is 110 to 125 cm. It has brownish-grey upper parts, white underparts and a yellowish bill. They appear very similar to C. diomedea but much larger. They are pelagic, except for breeding colonies, they are not seen from shore. They feed on fish, molluscs, squids and shrimp. They are noted for following fishing vessels. They breed from April onwards. They nest among rocks and burrows. They lay single egg and both the parents take part in rearing the chick.
Indian birds - Cory's shearwater - Calonectris borealis |
Image source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CorysShearwaterBottom.jpg
Author: TomAllmendinger | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Current topic in Birds of India: Cory's shearwater - Calonectris borealis.