Puffinus yelkouan

Puffinus yelkouan, or Yelkouan Shearwater, is a medium-sized seabird that breeds in the Mediterranean region, including along the coasts of Croatia.

Known for its slender body and swift, graceful flight over the open sea, this species is especially remarkable due to its long-distance migrations and unique feeding patterns, as it hunts small fish and squid by diving and "shearing" over the water's surface. The Yelkouan Shearwater nests in rocky crevices and burrows on secluded islands, preferring environments with minimal human disturbance.

It is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, marine pollution, and predation by invasive species in nesting areas. Conservation efforts to protect nesting sites and maintain clean, undisturbed marine environments are crucial for preserving the Yelkouan Shearwater population.

• Birds