The Sooty Shearwater may be the most abundant seabird in the world, with a global population estimated at over 20 million birds. It makes one of the longest migrations ever tracked — a figure-eight circuit of the Pacific Ocean covering over 40,000 miles. In late summer, millions appear off both coasts of North America in enormous offshore flocks.
Best time to see a Sooty Shearwater
The best time to see a Sooty Shearwater is May–August, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,705 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Sooty Shearwater? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Sooty Shearwater sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Sooty Shearwater? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Sooty Shearwater is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.