Fluttering Shearwater

Pakahā is a small black-and-white shearwater that forms dense feeding flocks and rafts close to New Zealand coasts. Dark upperparts contrast with white underparts, with a smudged dark border along the underwing; Hutton’s shearwater is browner, longer-billed and has darker underwings.

It breeds on islands around the North Island, Cook Strait and northern South Island and remains mainly in New Zealand coastal waters. Flocks flutter low over water and dive for small fish and krill, sometimes feeding with dolphins and other seabirds.

Fluttering shearwater is At Risk — Relict (NZ Threat Classification). Rats and other mammals eliminated many colonies, while fishing gear and severe storms cause deaths. Hauraki Gulf, Cook Strait and Kaikōura coastal waters regularly hold feeding flocks.