Heinroth's Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi

A small, distinctively proportioned shearwater with a comparatively long-necked, long-tailed, round-winged appearance. Entirely dark plumage contrasts with variably white bars on the underside of remarkably short, stubby wings. Long thin bill is often obvious, as is this species’ habit of flying with its head raised above its body. Pale morph is paler below and overall lighter brown, but retains odd proportions. The dark morph of Wedge-tailed Shearwater is somewhat similar, but much larger and longer-tailed. Black Noddy is similar in size, but has a more buoyant, bouncy tern-like flight. Christmas Shearwater is most similar, but has a proportionally shorter bill and tail. Short-tailed and Sooty Shearwaters are similar in plumage, but their toes project beyond their tail, unlike in Heinroth’s Shearwater.