General Description

Small bird with blue-grey plumage on upper parts and white underneath. Dark 'M' on upper parts extending to wing tips. Wedge-shaped tail with dark tip. Short narrow bill with a strong hook. Blue bill and feet. To 25 cm.

Biology

Feed in large flocks, sometimes in mixed species groups. Erratic, buoyant and swift flight. Flits from wave to wave top picking food from the water surface. Breeds on islands and rock stacks using crevices and caves in cliffs in rock falls.

Distribution

Around Australia.

Habitat

Oceans and coastal breeding islands.

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