Sooty Shearwater vs Balearic Shearwater

In short

The Sooty Shearwater and Balearic Shearwater can be distinguished primarily by their plumage and geographic range. Sooty Shearwaters are generally darker and more uniformly sooty brown, while Balearic Shearwaters have a more contrasting appearance with paler underparts. Both species are similar in size and structure, making plumage the most reliable field mark.

Identification tips

1. Look for the uniform dark sooty brown plumage of the Sooty Shearwater. 2. Note the contrasting dark upperparts and paler underparts of the Balearic Shearwater. 3. Consider geographic location: Sooty Shearwaters are more likely in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, while Balearic Shearwaters are typically found in the Mediterranean. 4. Use plumage differences as the primary distinguishing feature, as size and behavior are similar.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with a medium build typical of shearwaters.

Plumage

Sooty Shearwaters are uniformly dark sooty brown, appearing almost black at a distance. In contrast, Balearic Shearwaters have a more contrasting plumage with darker upperparts and paler, often whitish underparts.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical shearwater flight patterns, with long glides and stiff-winged flapping. Behavior alone is not a reliable differentiator.

Habitat

Sooty Shearwaters are found in the Southern Hemisphere during breeding and migrate to the North Pacific and North Atlantic. Balearic Shearwaters are primarily found in the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic waters.

Voice

Vocalizations are not typically used to distinguish these species in the field, as both are generally silent at sea.