Flesh-footed shearwaters have a black or dark brown head, body and wings. The wingspan can reach 1.2 metres.

Flesh-footed shearwaters are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The majority of the population appears to migrate to the Northern Hemisphere in winter. Breeding occurs annually from December to May on islands in the southern Indian Ocean, as well as islands off the North Island.

Flesh-footed shearwaters are considered ‘Gradual decline’ by the Department of Conservation and ‘Lower risk’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Current estimates put the NZ population of Flesh-footed shearwaters at 37,000.

Flesh-footed shearwaters feed on fish, squid and krill and can dive up to 50m in depth to pursue prey. They are often found feeding with Buller’s shearwater, and feeds alone or in small groups.

Flesh-footed shearwater has been reported being caught in longline fisheries, on hand and reel lines, and is at risk from trawl nets and warps.

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

New Zealand Threat Classification System list