Cory’s Shearwater
Calonectris borealis
Cory's Shearwater is a rare but occasional visitor to British waters, typically seen during the summer and autumn months, particularly in the western coastal areas. It can be spotted in the Atlantic, often at a distance from the shore, where it may be blown off course or wandering from its normal range.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Cory’s Shearwater in the field.
The species can be identified by its large size, grey-brown back, and white underside, as well as its distinctive yellow bill and pale head with a dark eye mask. Its wings are long and narrow, with a slow and deliberate wingbeat.
Cory's Shearwater is larger than a Herring Gull, with a bulky body and long wings, making it a notable sight in British skies.
The male's plumage is a mottled grey-brown on the back, with a white belly and pale grey-brown head, showing little to no seasonal variation.
The female's plumage is similar to the male's, with no notable differences in colour or pattern.
The call of Cory's Shearwater is a low, moaning sound, often described as a mournful or haunting cry, typically heard at night or during breeding season.
Cory's Shearwater is a pelagic bird, spending most of its time at sea, where it feeds on fish, squid, and crustaceans, often following ships or scavenging for food. It has a distinctive, gliding flight style, with long periods of soaring and slow, deliberate wingbeats.
Cory's Shearwater may be confused with other large shearwaters, such as the Great Shearwater or the Manx Shearwater, but can be distinguished by its larger size, pale head, and yellow bill, as well as its slower and more deliberate wingbeat.
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