Short-tailed Shearwater

Medium-sized, dark brown shearwater. Has narrow, crooked wings and flies with quick, snappy wingbeats. Variable underwing pattern, usually rather dark with a less distinct silvery flash than Sooty Shearwater, but difficult to judge depending on lighting. Common in the Pacific Ocean, especially around Australia and New Zealand and up to the Bering Sea. Unknown from South America. Can be abundant in ocean waters off Alaska, gathering in enormous flocks; less common further south. Extremely similar to Sooty Shearwater. Short-tailed is lighter and has more crooked wings; also look for slightly shorter bill and more rounded head.

The Short-tailed Shearwater is not a typical resident or regular visitor in Sri Lanka. sightings near Colombo and other southern/western coasts during April/May

The Short-tailed Shearwater's general diet consists of small fish, crustaceans (like krill), and squid.