Rapa Shearwater

Puffinus myrtae

Rapa Shearwater (Puffinus myrtae) — Seabirds & Tubenoses of Oceans & Seabirds.

The Rapa Shearwater (Puffinus myrtae) is a member of the Procellariidae family found in Oceans & Seabirds. Adults weigh 351 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Critically Endangered.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

CR Critically Endangered

Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Procellariiformes
Family Procellariidae Petrels, Shearwaters, Diving Petrels
Genus Puffinus
Species myrtae

Where it lives

Tauturou, Rapa Iti and Karapoo Iti (islets off Rapa, eastern Tubuai=Austral Is., southeastern Polynesia)

Oceans & Seabirds

Quick facts

Weight: 351 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Procellariidae
Order: Procellariiformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Sargasso Shearwater

Puffinus lherminieri

Critically Endangered

Fiji Petrel

Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi

Endangered

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Rapa Shearwater hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of open sea and coastal waters, it uses a wide range of foraging strategies.

Migration

The Rapa Shearwater is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

The Rapa Shearwater (Puffinus myrtae) belongs to the Procellariidae family of the order Procellariiformes. It occurs naturally across Oceans & Seabirds. Its distribution covers PO Tauturou, Rapa Iti and Karapoo Iti (islets off Rapa, e Tubuai=Austral Is., se Polynesia).

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 351 g, with a wing length of about 19.8 cm and a tail of around 8.5 cm.

It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 126,000 km².

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Rapa Shearwater?

The Rapa Shearwater is a large bird that weighs around 351 g.

Where does the Rapa Shearwater live?

The Rapa Shearwater is found across Oceans & Seabirds with a range covering PO Tauturou, Rapa Iti and Karapoo Iti (islets off Rapa, e Tubuai=Austral Is., se Polynesia), where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Rapa Shearwater belong to?

The Rapa Shearwater (Puffinus myrtae) belongs to the Procellariidae family, in the order Procellariiformes.

What does the Rapa Shearwater eat?

The Rapa Shearwater hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Rapa Shearwater migrate?

The Rapa Shearwater is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

Is the Rapa Shearwater endangered?

It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.

How large is the Rapa Shearwater's range?

The Rapa Shearwater has a mapped global range of about 126,000 km².