Manx shearwater Manx shearwater The Manx shearwater ("Puffinus puffinus") is a medium-sized shearwater in the seabird family Procellariidae. The scientific name of this species records a name shift: "Manx shearwaters" were called "Manks puffins" in the 17th century. Puffin is an Anglo-Norman word (Middle English "pophyn") for the cured carcasses of nestling shearwaters. The Atlantic puffin acquired the name much later, possibly because of its similar nesting habits. The shearwaters form part of the family Procellariidae, a widespread group containing nearly 100 species of medium to large seabirds. They have long, narrow wings and the characteristic “tubenose”. The large genus "Puffinus" includes
Ponta dos Rosais and agricultural areas, with most of the region taken-up by rural activities. Tourists visiting the area are attracted by the diversity of migratory and maritime bird species that nest in the cliffs of the point, including the migratory Corey's Shearwater ("Calonectris diomedea") and Little shearwater ("Puffinus assimilis"), but also the Roseate ("Sterna dougallii") and Common Terns ("Sterna hirundo"). Endemic predator species in these areas include feral cats and dogs, as well as rodents, but the latter limited by local kite species. But, the region is a hothouse of Azorean heather ("Erica azorica") and Forget-me-nots ("Myosotis azorica"). Ponta dos Rosais Ponta