Shearwater

A seabird belonging to the family Procellariidae, characterized by its long, slender wings, streamlined body, and distinctive flight style. Shearwaters are pelagic, meaning they spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to breed. They are excellent fliers and divers, capable of covering vast distances over oceans and foraging for fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their name derives from their habit of 'shearing' the surface of the water with their wingtips while in flight, giving them a unique appearance. These birds nest in burrows or rock crevices, often forming large colonies.

Shearwater meaning with examples

• The albatross and shearwater gracefully soared above the tumultuous waves. Watching the shearwater navigate the unpredictable storms was a spectacle. Shearwaters are true masters of the open ocean, perfectly adapted to life on the sea, migrating between polar and tropical regions each year. Their endurance during long voyages always astonishes.
• A lone shearwater glided low over the water, searching for its next meal. The fisherman watched as the shearwater expertly dove, a graceful plunge. Shearwaters often gather in large flocks. Their ability to traverse the vast ocean is really impressive, navigating by instinct and solar cues. They always remind me of old sailors.
• During the research trip, we observed many different species, among them a flock of shearwaters. The researchers documented the shearwater population's decline. The conservationists worried about how environmental changes affected the shearwaters. The scientists learned much about the shearwater's breeding and feeding behaviors.
• The sound of the shearwater's call echoed across the cliffs where it made its home. We took our telescopes, seeking a view of a shearwater, its wing stretched wide in flight. The sight of a shearwater evokes a sense of vastness. Shearwaters are an important part of marine ecosystems, playing a role in nutrient cycles.