Subantarctic Little Shearwater

Subantarctic little shearwater is a small black-and-white seabird of the Auckland, Campbell and nearby southern island region. It has dark upperparts, white underparts and a white face below a dark cap; little shearwater is extremely similar and separation depends on range and subtle plumage proportions.

It breeds on subantarctic islands south of New Zealand and forages over cool Southern Ocean water. Birds use rapid wingbeats and low glides and pursue small fish and crustaceans underwater from burrow colonies.

Subantarctic little shearwater is At Risk — Naturally Uncommon (NZ Threat Classification). Restricted colonies remain vulnerable to mammal invasion and severe weather. Subantarctic expedition voyages offer the only realistic chance; it is rarely identified near the mainland.