Heinroth’s Shearwater more than one species?

Writing in the New Zealand journal Notornis Peter Harrison reports on the little-known Heinroth’s Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi of the Solomn Islands.

The paper’s abstract follows:

“This paper reports recent at-sea sightings of the little-known Heinroth’s shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi) within the Solomon Islands.  Feeding habits are described and compared to those of black noddy (Anous minutus).  Observations suggest that Heinroth’s shearwater occurs in dark, intermediate and pale forms, and may be better considered as a polymorphic species.”

Reference:

Harrison, P. 2014.  At-sea observations of Heinroth’s shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi). Notornis 61: 97-102.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 June 1014