Balearic shearwater, an endangered species
The Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) is a seabird which is endemic to the Balearic islands.
Its nesting area is in the Balearic Islands, but after breeding season we can also find it out in the Atlantic.
At around 35 cm long, with a wingspan of 85-90 cm, small head and a long grey beak, the Balearic shearwater feeds on fish and squid it catches diving.
Unfortunately, since it’s a long-lived species which has a low reproduction rate and a small population, it has a very high mortality rate from non-natural causes. Among the main threats are predation by rats and cats, accidentally being caught in fishing gear, and the loss of nesting habitat.
The Balearic shearwater is one of the featured birds you can see in your excursion to Cabrera. Have a look at our previous post Bird Watching in Cabrera and you’ll find out about many other birds to watch in the archipelago.
Image source: cronicanorte.es