Puffinus

Christmas Shearwater ( Puffinus Nativitatis )

The shearwaters ( Puffinus ) are a genus of small to medium sizes of marine birds in the family of the petrels. The birds of this genus are most likely to be found in the colder or temperate latitudes.

The species of the genus have long wings and a dark top in brown, gray or black shades. The underside is usually brighter until completely white. Like all species of the family they have tubular nostrils on the top of the beak.

When flying they perform only a few wing beats and gliding long distances. Some small species the wings are stretched out straight while larger specimen, an angle at the wrist is apparent.

As hatcheries serve all islands and rocky coastline. Species of this genus breed in colonies that are only flown at night, if possible in nights with little moonlight, so as to minimize the danger posed by birds of prey and large gulls. They breed in Erdmulden and only lay a white egg. Apart from the breeding season they are pelagic in distinct dimensions. Many species are migratory birds that run over long distances. The sooty shearwater ( Puffinus griseus ) even defines routes up to 65,000 kilometers in a season back. Shearwaters are extremely durable, freedom in an age up to 55 years was found.

As a food serve fish, octopus and other marine animals. Some species accompany fishing boats and grab the fisheries waste on.

Genera and species

The systematics of this genus is controversial and different biologists lists a different number of species.

  • Puffinus Little Shearwater ( P. assimilis )
  • Townsend 's Shearwater ( P. auricular )
  • Midway shearwater ( P. bryani )
  • Grey neck shearwater ( P. bulleri )
  • Rosafuß shearwater ( P. creatopus )
  • Blassfuß shearwater ( P. carneipes )
  • Fluttering shearwater ( P. Gavia )
  • Large shearwater ( P. gravis )
  • Sooty Shearwater ( P. griseus )
  • Heinroth shearwater ( P. heinrothi )
  • Hutton 's Shearwater ( P. huttoni )
  • Shed shearwater ( P. lherminieri )
  • Balearic shearwater ( P. mauretanicus )
  • Christmas Shearwater ( P. Nativitatis )
  • Newell shearwater ( P. newelli )
  • Schwarzsteiß shearwater ( P. opisthomelas )
  • Wedge-tailed Shearwater ( P. pacificus )
  • Persian Shearwater ( P. persicus )
  • Manx shearwater ( P. puffinus )
  • Short-tailed shearwaters ( P. tenuirostris )
  • Mediterranean shearwater ( P. yelkouan )

According to recent studies, the genus Puffinus is paraphyletic with respect to the genus Calonectris, would have to be united with this. The genus Calonectris contains the following types:

  • Calonectris Cory's Shearwater (C. diomedea )
  • Cape Verde Shearwater (C. edwardsii )
  • White face Shearwater (C. Leucomelas )

Swell

  • Larsson, Lars (2001) Birds of the World, CD -ROM
Mathurin-Jacques Brisson Heinroth's Shearwater
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