Shearwaters, NZ (1 Viewer)

May I please ask for opinions on the identity of these shearwaters seen in New Zealand? They are two different birds. Reasons for the ID(s) would be very much appreciated because I'm stumped. I know what they are supposed to be, but I'd like to understand for myself.

both sooty shearwater

Thanks, arcadillor. May I ask what it is that identifies them as Sooties rather than Short-tailed Shearwaters?

https://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/07/can-short-tailed-shearwater-be-identified-in-the-field/

This might help - bill length seems to be most reliable.

B

Thank you very much, Brian. I snapped these birds on a pelagic out of Kaikoura. The skipper, who was evidently an old hand at this and who I would therefore assume to know his stuff, called both birds (and indeed all the dark shearwaters we saw) as Short-tailed Shearwaters. However, on reviewing the pics later and trying to confirm the ID, I did think that both bills looked on the long side. Also, the pale underwings on the first pic seemed to fit Sooty better. Hence my query. Maybe I should add that both pics were underexposed and I have lightened them a bit, but surely that should not alter the ID? I note that both birds in the pics show a darker head with paler chin, which Sibley implies would tend to favour Short-tailed. I could imagine that being far from conclusive, but since I have no experience of Short-tailed I'm in no position to know.

Jack Dawe said:

Thanks, arcadillor. May I ask what it is that identifies them as Sooties rather than Short-tailed Shearwaters?

Click to expand...

sooty have a more contrastive underwing and longer bill and tail

Thank you, arcadillor.