Yelkouan Shearwater

A Mediterranean endemic, breeding on islands and coastal cliffs mainly in the central and eastern basin. After breeding, many birds move east through the Aegean and the Bosphorus into the Black Sea, while others remain within the Mediterranean.

Malta supports an important breeding population in colonies along coastal cliffs and on offshore islands. Birds begin returning to colonies in autumn; egg-laying takes place from late February, with fledging in June and July. Breeding birds also forage beyond Maltese waters, including areas around Sicily and North Africa.

A pelagic seabird that nests in burrows, crevices and caves, visiting colonies mainly at night. It feeds principally on small fish and squid. Both parents incubate the single egg and provision the chick.

Globally classified as Vulnerable and listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. Threats include introduced predators at colonies, light pollution, disturbance and fisheries bycatch. Rat control, reducing artificial light and protecting nesting sites are important conservation measures.