The Manx Shearwater
Manx
Shearwater Puffinus puffinus L 35, W 80. The commonest
and most widespread of the European shearwaters. Large
numbers breed on islands mainly off western Britain
and in the Mediterranean Sea. Breeding takes place in
colonies along the coast, in burrows in the earth. Wholly
dark upperside and pale underside- looks black and white
at distance-distinguish it from the larger shearwaters.
The mauretanicus race, found in the W Mediterranean,
has paler brown upperparts and darker underparts showing
less clear contrast in colours. The E Mediterranean
race yelkouan has brownish-black upperparts and pale
dirty-white underparts. Flight swift, careening from
side to side. Does not follow ships. Often seen in big
flocks at sea. Long sequences of hoarse calls with jerking
rhythm heard from nest burrows. SP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
