Buller's Shearwater vs Short-tailed Shearwater

Buller's Shearwater and Short-tailed Shearwater can be distinguished by their plumage and structural differences. Buller's Shearwater has a distinctive black cap and white underparts, while Short-tailed Shearwater is uniformly dark. Both species are pelagic and can be found in similar oceanic habitats, but their ranges and behaviors offer additional clues.

Look for the black cap and white underparts of Buller's Shearwater when seen in flight. Note the uniform dark plumage of Short-tailed Shearwater. Consider the location and time of year, as Buller's Shearwater is more likely in the southern Pacific, while Short-tailed Shearwater may be seen during its migration across the North Pacific.

Buller's Shearwater is slightly larger and more robust than the Short-tailed Shearwater.

Buller's Shearwater has a striking black cap, white underparts, and a gray back with a distinct M-pattern on the upperwings. In contrast, the Short-tailed Shearwater is uniformly dark brown, appearing almost black at a distance.

Buller's Shearwater often associates with other seabirds and follows trawlers, while Short-tailed Shearwater is known for its long migrations and can form large flocks.

Both species are pelagic, but Buller's Shearwater is more commonly seen in the Pacific Ocean, especially around New Zealand, while Short-tailed Shearwater breeds in Australia and migrates to the North Pacific.