Definition:
(noun) A type of small petrel with proportionally long wings that may "shear the water" as the bird flies low over the waves and glides along wave troughs with its wingtips touching the surface. Shearwaters have tubular nostrils and hooked bills, and they can be found in both temperate and cold water marine environments.
There are more than 30 species of shearwater, with some of the more familiar being the manx, Audubon's, Persian, sooty and Cory's shearwaters.
Photo – Sooty Shearwater © Tim Lenz
Pronunciation:
SHEER-wah-terr
