The Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus) is a medium-large
shearwater in the seabird family Procellariidae. In New Zealand
it is also known by its Māori name tītī and as "muttonbird",
like its relatives the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (P. pacificus)
and the Australian Short-tailed Shearwater (P. tenuirostris). It
appears to be particularly closely related to the Great ("P."
gravis) and Short-tailed Shearwaters, all blunt-tailed, black-
billed species, but its precise relationships are obscure. In
any case, these three species are among the larger species of
shearwater which might belong into a separate genus Ardenna.
Sooty Shearwaters are 40–51 cm in length with a 94–110 cm
wingspan. It has the typical "shearing" flight of the genus,
dipping from side to side on stiff wings with few wing beats,
the wingtips almost touching the water. Its flight is powerful
and direct, with wings held stiff and straight, giving the
impression of a very small albatross. This shearwater is
identifiable by its dark plumage, which is re