Scopoli's Shearwater song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Scopoli's Shearwater, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The 'song' is a distinctive, loud, wailing, and cackling call, primarily heard at night in breeding colonies. It consists of a series of drawn-out 'a-WAA-oh' or 'ko-KEE-er' notes, often described as mournful or cat-like. These calls are crucial for pair bonding and territorial defense.

Calls

At sea, they are generally silent, but occasional grunts or squawks may be heard, especially during feeding frenzies. The primary vocalizations are the nocturnal breeding calls.

When they vocalize

Almost exclusively vocal at night within breeding colonies, particularly during courtship and incubation exchanges. Silent at sea during the day.

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