Townshendâs shearwater
bird
Also known as: Puffinus auricularis
Quick Summary
Townshend's shearwater (Puffinus auricularis) is a critically endangered seabird belonging to the family Procellariidae, which also includes petrels and fulmars. These birds are known for their long wings and habit of gliding low over waves. Townshend's shearwater, measuring about 33 cm (13 inches) in length, faces a high risk of extinction because it breeds in only one location, Socorro Island, where feral cats pose a significant threat. A 2008 study documented fewer than 100 breeding pairs on the island.1
Summary created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
