| Although
still quite common along local beaches, like many shore birds its numbers
have declined substantially in recent decades. It is often seen flying
on the shore-line where it finds beach-cast fish, squid , and even small
sea birds on which it feeds. It will also take sea urchins from rocky
reefs, breaking the shell by dropping them from 10-15 m. onto the rocks.
The nearest nesting areas are Bass Strait Islands. Until they attain full
adult plumage at about five years, they are mottled brown in colour, beginning
to resemble the black and white adults after three to four years.
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