Manx shearwater meaning

The Manx shearwater is a seabird known for its long migrations between breeding and wintering grounds.


Manx shearwater definitions

Word backwards xnaM retawraehs
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "Manx shearwater" is a noun.
Syllabic division Manx / shear / wa / ter
Plural The plural of the word Manx shearwater is Manx shearwaters.
Total letters 14
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (8) m,n,x,s,h,r,w,t

Manx shearwater, scientific name Puffinus puffinus, is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the petrel family, Procellariidae. These birds are known for their remarkable long-distance migrations and their distinctive wailing calls that can be heard at night on their nesting sites.

Physical Characteristics

Manx shearwaters measure around 30-35 cm in length with a wingspan of 76-89 cm. They have dark grey-brown plumage with a white underbelly. These birds have a tube-like structure on their bill that helps them excrete excess salt from the seawater they ingest.

Behavior and Diet

Manx shearwaters are nocturnal feeders, using their keen sense of smell to locate their prey, which mainly consists of small fish and squid. They are also known to follow fishing vessels to feed on discarded catch. These birds breed in burrows on remote islands and spend most of their lives at sea.

Conservation Status

The Manx shearwater population is currently stable, with an estimated global population of around 350,000 individuals. However, they face threats such as habitat destruction on their breeding islands, pollution, and accidental bycatch in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their nesting sites and reduce human impacts on their population.

Manx shearwaters play a vital role in marine ecosystems as they help control the population of small fish and squid. These birds are truly remarkable in their long-distance migrations and unique adaptations to their marine lifestyle.

With their haunting calls and graceful flight over the ocean, Manx shearwaters are a captivating species that remind us of the wonders of the natural world and the importance of protecting our oceans for future generations to come.


Manx shearwater Examples

  1. The Manx shearwater gracefully glided over the ocean waves.
  2. Birdwatchers eagerly awaited the arrival of Manx shearwaters during their migration.
  3. Researchers studied the breeding behavior of Manx shearwaters on remote islands.
  4. The Manx shearwater's haunting call echoed through the night on the cliffs.
  5. Tourists marveled at the sight of Manx shearwaters diving into the water for fish.
  6. Conservation efforts were put in place to protect the Manx shearwater's nesting sites.
  7. The Manx shearwater is known for its long migrations across the Atlantic Ocean.
  8. Scientists tracked the movements of Manx shearwaters using GPS technology.
  9. Photographers captured stunning images of Manx shearwaters in flight.
  10. Bird enthusiasts traveled far and wide to catch a glimpse of the elusive Manx shearwater.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 21:39:14