Feeding Habits Feeds primarily in association with large predatory fish such as skipjack tuna. These fish drive the larval forms of fish to the surface. Christmas Shearwaters locate larval food such as mackerel scad, flying squid, goat fish and squirrel fish most likely by using their sense of smell. Christmas Shearwaters capture prey by plunging into water and chasing it. Breeding Birds are believed to be monogamous.
Birds return at dusk and are active in courtship around dawn.
There is much nocturnal activity in breeding colonies, however, they are quiet during the day and thus, are rarely seen. They arrive at breeding grounds in late February and begin to lay eggs by the end of April. A single, white egg is laid. Incubation period ranges from 50 to 54 days. Both parents share in the incubation, taking about a five day shift on the nest, while the mate is feeding at sea.