Birds diurnal

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

Master of the Atlantic currents, the Cory's Shearwater is a majestic seabird that embodies the spirit of the open ocean. Watching one glide inches above the crashing waves is a bucket-list experience for any wildlife enthusiast.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 45–56 cm (18–22 in); Wingspan: 112–126 cm (44–50 in); Weight: 700–950 g (1.5–2.1 lb)

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Colors

Brownish-grey upperparts, white underparts, and a dull yellow bill with a dark smudge near the tip.

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Key Features

Large, long-winged seabird with a distinctive 'shearing' flight
Dull yellow bill with a dark spot at the tip
Pale greyish-brown head and back with no sharp cap
White underwings with a thin, dark trailing edge

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours Daylight hours for foraging; 10 PM - 3 AM for visiting land colonies

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Season April-October

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Diet Primarily feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They hunt by dipping their bills into the surface or performing shallow plunges, occasionally diving up to 15 feet deep to chase prey.

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Habitat Pelagic (open ocean), nesting only on rugged offshore islands and steep coastal cliffs.

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Behavior

Cory's Shearwaters are the ultimate ocean wanderers, spending the vast majority of their lives far from land. They are master gliders, using a flight technique called 'dynamic soaring' to harvest energy from wind gradients above the waves. This allows them to travel thousands of miles with minimal effort, appearing to 'shear' the water as they bank steeply from side to side.

On land, these birds are much less graceful. Because their legs are positioned far back on their bodies for efficient swimming, they must scurry or shuffle to reach their nesting burrows. They are highly social at sea, often gathering in massive floating groups called 'rafts' near rich feeding grounds. During the breeding season, they become famously vocal, emitting eerie, wailing calls that can be heard across coastal cliffs after dark.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Cory's Shearwater on camera is a unique challenge because they are strictly marine birds. If you are lucky enough to live on a coastal cliff or near a breeding colony, position your camera near rocky crevices or burrow entrances. Use a sturdy tripod with weighted legs, as the coastal winds where these birds reside can be intense. Angle the camera low to the ground to catch the birds as they land and shuffle toward their nests.

Because Cory's Shearwaters only come ashore under the cover of darkness to avoid predators, high-quality infrared (IR) night vision is a non-negotiable requirement for your trail camera. Set your trigger speed to its fastest setting; while they are clumsy on land, their transition from flight to the ground is rapid. Use 'Burst Mode' to capture 3-5 photos per trigger, as this increases your chances of getting a clear shot of the bird's face and bill for identification.

If you are trying to capture them at sea from a boat or pier, focus on areas with high fish activity. A waterproof action camera mounted near the water's surface can capture incredible footage of them 'walking' on the water as they take off. Avoid using artificial lights at night near nesting sites, as this can disorient the birds; stick to no-glow IR sensors to ensure you don't disturb their natural breeding behaviors.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Cory's Shearwater.

Scopoli's Shearwater

Smaller and more slender with a thinner bill and more white on the primary feathers of the underwing.

Great Shearwater

Features a distinct dark cap, a white 'collar' on the neck, and a darker bill.

Sooty Shearwater

Entirely dark chocolate-brown plumage, lacking the white belly and yellow bill of the Cory's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cory's Shearwater are diurnal when foraging at sea, but they are strictly nocturnal when visiting their land-based nesting colonies to avoid predators like gulls and hawks.

Unlike garden birds, Cory's Shearwater cannot be attracted to a typical backyard with feeders. They only visit remote coastal cliffs and offshore islands for breeding; the best way to see them is via a boat trip or coastal watchpoint.

Their diet consists of small schooling fish like sardines and mackerel, as well as squid and various crustaceans caught at or just below the ocean surface.

No, they are pelagic birds that spend their lives at sea. They are never found in suburban areas unless they are 'storm-blown' inland by extreme weather events.

Cory's Shearwater is slightly larger with a heavier bill. The most reliable difference is the underwing; Cory's has less white bleeding into the dark wingtips compared to the Scopoli's Shearwater.

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