Wedge-tailed Shearwater vs Buller's Shearwater

In short

Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Buller's Shearwaters can be distinguished by their tail shape and plumage patterns. The Wedge-tailed has a distinctive long, wedge-shaped tail, while Buller's has a more rounded tail. Plumage differences include the Wedge-tailed's uniform dark upperparts versus Buller's striking black-and-white pattern.

Identification tips

1. Look for the tail shape: Wedge-tailed has a long, wedge-shaped tail; Buller's has a rounded tail. 2. Note plumage: Wedge-tailed is more uniform in color, while Buller's has a bold black-and-white pattern. 3. Observe behavior: Wedge-tailed glides with stiff wingbeats; Buller's may follow boats and forage at night.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Wedge-tailed Shearwater is slightly larger and more robust.

Plumage

The Wedge-tailed Shearwater has uniform dark upperparts in the dark morph, while the light morph shows irregularly white undersurfaces. Buller's Shearwater has a striking black-and-white pattern with a dark cap and a white face.

Behaviour

Wedge-tailed Shearwaters often glide with stiff wingbeats and are seen in large flocks, while Buller's Shearwaters may follow trawlers and forage more at night.

Habitat

Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are common in warm tropical waters, often seen from shore. Buller's Shearwaters breed on New Zealand islets and disperse across the Pacific Ocean.