Image via Macaulay Library
Yelkouan Shearwater
- Scientific name
- Puffinus yelkouan
- Family
- Procellariidae
- Conservation status
- Near threatened
- Habitat
- Aquatic ocean
- Wing shape
- Soaring
- Tail shape
- Pointed
Where it came from
The Yelkouan shearwater, Puffinus yelkouan, is a medium-sized seabird primarily distributed across the Mediterranean basin. Its evolutionary history is deeply tied to the Mediterranean ecosystem, where it evolved as a highly specialized pelagic species. Historically, its population centers were identified on islands and coastal cliffs in countries such as Malta, Greece, and Italy, where it occupies nesting burrows during the breeding season before spending the remainder of the year at sea.
The species is characterized by a streamlined physiology, including its distinct soaring wing shape and pointed tail, both of which are adaptations for efficient long-distance flight over open water. Taxonomically, the bird has been the subject of ongoing scientific study to distinguish it from the Balearic and Manx shearwaters. It is currently categorized as vulnerable by conservationists, reflecting a long history of environmental pressures including light pollution near nesting sites and invasive predators.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Yelkouan Shearwater
Yelkouan Shearwater is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Yelkouan Shearwater on collecto.rs?
Yelkouan Shearwater doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Yelkouan Shearwater?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Yelkouan Shearwater catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Yelkouan Shearwater is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
