St. Paul's Islands
Yelkouan Shearwater
The Yelkouan shearwater is a medium-sized seabird that spends most of its life far out at sea, only coming to land to breed. It is well adapted to life on the open water, gliding smoothly over the waves using long, narrow wings.
During the breeding season, it nests in burrows or rocky crevices on coastal cliffs and islands, including in the Maltese Islands. These birds are very cautious and usually return to their nests at night to avoid predators such as gulls. One of its most fascinating traits is its strong pair bond. Yelkouan shearwaters often return to the same nesting site and partner year after year. The female lays a single egg, and both parents take turns incubating it and later feeding the chick.The female lays a single egg, and both parents take turns incubating it and later feeding the chick.
At sea, the Yelkouan shearwater plays an important role in the marine ecosystem by feeding on small fish and other sea life, helping maintain balance in the food web.
The species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population is threatened by habitat disturbance, light pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Protecting nesting sites and reducing light pollution in coastal areas like Malta are important steps to help this bird survive.
St. Paul's Islands
Yelkouan Shearwater
The Yelkouan shearwater is a medium-sized seabird that spends most of its life far out at sea, only coming to land to breed. It is well adapted to life on the open water, gliding smoothly over the waves using long, narrow wings.
During the breeding season, it nests in burrows or rocky crevices on coastal cliffs and islands, including in the Maltese Islands. These birds are very cautious and usually return to their nests at night to avoid predators such as gulls. One of its most fascinating traits is its strong pair bond. Yelkouan shearwaters often return to the same nesting site and partner year after year. The female lays a single egg, and both parents take turns incubating it and later feeding the chick.The female lays a single egg, and both parents take turns incubating it and later feeding the chick.
At sea, the Yelkouan shearwater plays an important role in the marine ecosystem by feeding on small fish and other sea life, helping maintain balance in the food web.
The species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population is threatened by habitat disturbance, light pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Protecting nesting sites and reducing light pollution in coastal areas like Malta are important steps to help this bird survive.
