Buller’s shearwater has a dark grey upper head with a white lower side. The body is dark on top with a white belly. It has a distinctive “M” pattern on the upper wings and can attain a wingspan of 102 cm.

Buller’s shearwater ranges throughout the Pacific Ocean, as far north as Alaska, with some annual migration to the waters of Peru and Chile. Breeding takes place annually from November to May only on islands in the Poor Knights group in New Zealand.



Buller’s shearwater are considered ‘Range restricted’ by the Department of Conservation and ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There are an estimated 270,000 breeding pairs.

Buller’s shearwater feed on fish, squid and krill. They feed either solitary or in small groups, diving down to 30 metres depth in pursuit of prey.

Buller’s shearwater are attracted to chum, and are often seen behind recreational fishing boats. They have been caught in trawl nets, as well as on hand and reel lines and set nets.

International Union for Conservation of nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list

New Zealand Threat Classification System list