From Opus

Puffinus auricularis

[edit] Identification

33 cm. Black above and white below, black half-collar, black undertail-coverts and thighs, white flank patch extending to side of rump. Underwing black around leading and trailing borders sharply demarcated from central white areas.

[edit] Distribution

The nominate form breeds off Mexico on the Pacific side, newelli breeds in Hawaii, while myrtae breeds on Rapa Island (Austral Islands).

[edit] Taxonomy

Three subspecies are recognized

• auricularis
• newelli
• myrtae:

• Rapa Island

The latter is often called Newell's Shearwater and sometimes counted as a full species.

[edit] Habitat

Rocky burrows, bushy areas at forest edge.

[edit] Behaviour

It nests in rocky burrows.

[edit] External Links