A seabird that nests in holes on Maltese cliffs and spends the rest of its life at sea.
Yelkouan shearwaters nest in burrows and crevices on sea cliffs, such as at Rdum tal-Madonna and Ras ir-Raħeb, and Maltese colonies are among the most important for this Mediterranean species. They come to land only at night to avoid gulls, and are often heard calling from the cliffs.
Threats
Rats and cats at nest sites, bright lights that confuse young birds, disturbance and illegal hunting.
How to help
Keep dogs and cats away from cliffs in spring, reduce bright outdoor lighting by the sea, and report injured or grounded shearwaters to BirdLife Malta or the Wildlife Rescue contacts.
Photo: Julien Renoult, CC BY 4.0.
