Yelkouan Shearwater colony — 50-80 pairs of this endangered species nest in Comino's cliffs. BirdLife Malta runs a conservation and ringing project here.
The Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan) is one of Europe's rarest seabirds. On Comino, 50-80 pairs nest — making the island one of the most important breeding sites for this species in the entire Mediterranean.
These birds are active only at night. During the day they shelter in cliff crevices, and after dark they head out to hunt — flying low over the waves, catching fish with their beaks. Their distinctive, eerie cry at night — sounding like a crying child — for centuries inspired fear and legends among fishermen.
BirdLife Malta has been running a conservation programme here for years: ringing chicks, monitoring nests, and fighting invasive rats that eat eggs. Thanks to these efforts, the Comino population is slowly growing.
How many pairs of Yelkouan Shearwaters breed on Comino?
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North Cliffs Summit — highest point of the Comino Loop trail with panoramic views of Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Malta. Shearwaters — an endangered seabird species — nest here.
San Niklaw Bay — home to Comino's only hotel (1962-2019). The abandoned Comino Hotel buildings still stand over the quiet bay that once buzzed with life.
Madonna and Guy Ritchie on Comino — "Swept Away" (2002) filmed on the island's beaches. Their last collaborative project before the high-profile divorce.