Marine and estuarine birds are an important part to ocean ecosystems. The shearwater is one example, feeding on fish and squid. They are known to follow fishing vessels to feed on scraps or whales to eat prey that is scared to the surface. They prefer temperate and cold waters and can dive up to 70 meters. Like most marine and estuarine birds, they live in colonies and can typically be found nesting on islands and cliffsides. This is to minimize exposure to predators. Their colonies can be in the hundreds of thousands. Shearwaters only lay one egg at a time in burrows and the parents take turns with duties.
Marine and estuarine birds are an important part to ocean ecosystems. The shearwater is one example, feeding on fish and squid. They are known to follow fishing vessels to feed on scraps or whales to eat prey that is scared to the surface. They prefer temperate and cold waters and can dive up to 70 meters. Like most marine and estuarine birds, they live in colonies and can typically be found nesting on islands and cliffsides. This is to minimize exposure to predators. Their colonies can be in the hundreds of thousands. Shearwaters only lay one egg at a time in burrows and the parents take turns with duties.