Here at our Costa Rican retreat, nestled amidst the emerald embrace of the mountains, we celebrate the incredible diversity of birds that call this country home. But Costa Rica isn’t just rainforests and volcanoes! Today, we take a detour from the vibrant greens to the cerulean expanse of the Pacific Ocean, setting our sights on a master of the open water – the Black-vented Shearwater.

A Coastal Cruiser

Unlike the many avian gems you might spot from our mountaintop haven, the Black-vented Shearwater prefers the salty spray and vast freedom of the Pacific Ocean. This pelagic (open-ocean) bird glides effortlessly on long, pointed wings, reaching a span of up to 89 cm. Picture a medium-sized, chocolate brown bird with a white underbelly, and you’ve got the basic idea. But look a little closer –– a smudgy face and darker undertail coverts distinguish the Black-vented Shearwater from its close relative, the Manx Shearwater.

Seeing Black-vented Shearwaters

While you won’t find these birds soaring over our mountain retreat, birding enthusiasts visiting Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast during the colder months (November to March) have a good chance of spotting them. Look for them flitting low over the waves, their rapid wingbeats punctuated by graceful glides. They’re often seen in small flocks, sometimes alongside other shearwaters. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them feeding, dipping and diving to snatch up small fish.

Island Hoppers

Black-vented Shearwaters are colonial nesters, meaning they gather on specific islands to raise their young. In Costa Rica, their primary nesting grounds are the offshore islands of Baja California, Mexico, with Isla Natividad hosting a whopping 95% of the nesting population. While they travel impressive distances over the ocean, these shearwaters exhibit a surprising fondness for staying close to the shore compared to other shearwater species.

A Near Threatened Treasure

The Black-vented Shearwater’s conservation status is currently listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN. Past threats included predation by feral cats on nesting islands, but conservation efforts have largely addressed this issue. However, the expanding fishing industry and potential entanglement in gill nets remain a concern.

A Coastal Connection

So, while the Black-vented Shearwater might not grace our mountain retreat with its presence, it serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of life that Costa Rica offers. From the vibrant rainforests to the teeming Pacific Ocean, this small nation boasts an incredible diversity waiting to be explored. So, the next time you’re on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, keep your eyes peeled for these masters of the open sky – the Black-vented Shearwaters.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica