Story: Petrels

Sooty shearwater in flight

Sooty shearwater in flight

Shearwaters are named for their habit of slicing the air just above the water as they glide on stiff, pointed wings. Only occasionally flapping their wings, they gain height by flying into the wind, then glide in a broad arc.

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Eco-vista: Photography & Research
Reference: Image 009173_030903
Photograph by Brent Stephenson

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How to cite this page:

Kerry-Jayne Wilson, 'Petrels - Shearwaters, Procellaria and fulmarine petrels', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8585/sooty-shearwater-in-flight (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Kerry-Jayne Wilson, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015