Streaked Shearwater vs Wedge-tailed Shearwater

The Streaked Shearwater and Wedge-tailed Shearwater can be distinguished by their tail shape and plumage. The Streaked Shearwater has a more uniform plumage with streaked patterns, while the Wedge-tailed Shearwater is notable for its wedge-shaped tail and light morph with irregularly white undersurfaces of the wings.

Look for the wedge-shaped tail of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater and the streaked plumage of the Streaked Shearwater. Note the irregularly white undersurfaces of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater's wings in light morphs.

Streaked Shearwater has a streaked pattern on its plumage, whereas the Wedge-tailed Shearwater, especially in its light morph, shows irregularly white undersurfaces of the wings.

Both species exhibit gliding flight with motionless wings skimming the water, but the Wedge-tailed Shearwater's flight is characterized by easy buoyant glides and stiff wingbeats.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater is fairly common in warm tropical waters and can be seen from shore, often in large flocks, while the habitat preference of the Streaked Shearwater is not specified here.