Little Shearwater

Totorore is a very small black-and-white shearwater whose New Zealand populations occupy widely separated northern, Kermadec and southern islands. A black cap and upperparts contrast sharply with white face and underparts; the small bill and rapid wingbeats distinguish it from larger fluttering shearwater.

Populations breed on northern offshore islands, the Kermadecs and subantarctic groups, then disperse over surrounding seas. It flies with fast wingbeats and short glides and dives for small fish, squid and crustaceans; pairs nest in burrows.

North Island birds are At Risk — Recovering, Kermadec birds At Risk — Relict and subantarctic birds At Risk — Naturally Uncommon (NZ Threat Classification). Introduced predators are the principal colony threat. Northern and subantarctic pelagic trips may encounter birds, but most colonies are remote or protected.