Newell’s Shearwater / Puffinus auricularis newelli  / `A`o The Newell’s Shearwater is a medium-sized shearwater measuring 12 to 14 inches with a wing span of 30-35 inches. It has a glossy black top, a white bottom, and a black bill that is sharply hooked at the tip. Its claws are well adapted for burrow excavation and climbing. Habitat & Behavior: The Newell’s Shearwater or `A`o is a bird of the open tropical seas and offshore waters near breeding grounds. During their nine-month breeding season from April through November, `A`o live in burrows under ferns on forested mountain slopes. These burrows are used year after year and usually by the same pair of birds. Although the `A`o is capable of climbing shrubs and trees before taking flight, it needs an open downhill flight path through which it can become airborne. The `A`o primarily feeds on squid and has been described as having loud and nasal calls resembling the braying of a donkey and the call of a crow. Past & Present: The Newell’s Shearwater was once abundant on all main Hawaiian islands. Today, they only nest in the mountainous terrain between 500 to 2,300 feet on Kaua`i. This seabird was reported to be in danger of extinction by the 1930s. The introduction of the mongoose, black rat, and Norway rat may have played a primary role in the reduction of ground nesting seabirds such as the `A`o and the `Ua`u (Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel). A second threat to the `A`o is its attraction to light. Increasing urbanization and the accompanying manmade lighting have resulted in substantial problems for fledgling shearwaters during their first flight to the ocean from their nesting grounds. When attracted to manmade lights, fledglings become confused and may suffer temporary night blindness. They often fly into utility wires, poles, trees, and buildings and fall to the ground. Between 1978 and 1981, more than 5,000 Newell’s Shearwaters fell on Kaua`i’s highways, athletic fields, and hotel grounds. Conservation Efforts: Predator control in key habitat areas, the establishment of Bird Salvage-Aid Stations, nest translocation, and light attraction studies have been initiated to help save the Newell’s Shearwater. Outreach to Kaua`i’s local community has resulted in people picking up and bringing them to aid stations for care and release, giving the seabirds a chance to live. The Newell’s Shearwater was listed as an threatened species by the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975. The Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel and Newell’s Shearwater Recovery Plan was published in 1983. Trivia quiz: During breeding season, the `A`o lives: [a] in burrows under ferns on forested mountain slopes. [b] trees in high elevation. [c] cliff faces Top of Page