Short-tailed Shearwaters

In spring, the amazing short-tailed shearwaters are expected to return to our coasts from their Alaskan feeding grounds. Approximately 1 million shearwaters arrive on Phillip Island, after completing this spectacular migration of 15,000m in about 8 weeks. They seek out their partner from the previous breeding season, renovate their burrows in the sand dunes or build new ones under Bower spinach vegetation. Cape Woolamai headland is one of their main breeding areas, housing at least half a million birds over summer!

Short-tailed shearwaters will mate in late November, and then head out to sea for 2 weeks which is called the honeymoon period. Upon return in late November they lay one large egg (85g) and both parents share the incubation in 12-14 day shifts over an average of 53 days.

Join us on a Cape Woolamai Cruise this spring and summer and learn more about these incredible birds.