The short-tailed shearwater has been known on its breeding grounds in Bass Strait from the end of the eighteenth century because of its being used as an article of food by both Tasmanian aborigines and Europeans, says Oliver. But it was not described in scientific literature until 1835 when its present name was given to a specimen obtained in Japanese seas where it is a visitor. Twelve years later John Gould visited its breeding grounds in Bass Strait.
The short-tailed shearwater is the most abundant seabird species in Australian waters, and is one of the few Australian native birds that is commercially harvested.
In summer months, this is the most common shearwater along the south and south-east coasts of Australia. Enormous flocks of birds head south to breeding grounds off these coasts as they return from wintering grounds in the North Pacific. Some counts have recorded numbers as great as 60,000 individuals passing every hour, with over 18 million birds making the trek.
Massive breeding colonies are established off the southern and south-eastern coasts of Australia from September to May each year. Off the coast of Tasmania, colonies can contain over 16 million adults and other colonies in Victoria and New South Wales hold a further 2 million or more. Birds arrive at the colonies during the night. The nest is a leaf-lined chamber at the end of a burrow in the ground. One white egg is laid.
The Short-tailed Shearwater feeds on krill, small fish and other small marine creatures. Food is caught mostly on the surface of the water but sometimes birds are seen diving for food.
Greytown, 2008
