The black-vented shearwater (Puffinus opisthomelas) is a species of seabird endemic to islands off of the Pacific coast of Mexico and the Gulf of California.

[8] Black-vented shearwaters have been spotted as far north as British Columbia, but it is considered an "accidental visitor".

[9] Black-vented shearwaters prefer warmer waters, reportedly greater than 14 °C, but the species is relatively plastic in terms of habitat choice and foraging strategies.

Near breeding colonies, the sea floor drops off significantly as one moves farther from the coast, and some individuals are believed to forage in waters that reach depths of over 2 kilometers.

[12] Although there are few records of black-vented shearwater calls, their vocalizations have been likened to a moaning growl, similar to the sound of a dentist's drill and suction.

Vocalizations are believed to play a significant role in mating, as the species lacks sexual dimorphism, akin to the Manx shearwater.

[14][5][15] They are not attracted to chum, and don’t tend to follow ships for food live some other marine avian species.

Although colony sizes have not been accurately estimated to date, about 95% of their breeding population has historically been found on Isla Natividad.

[2] Historically, this species faced threats from feral cats and other predators on its breeding islands; however, these issues appear to have been largely resolved.

[20] There is some loss of birds from commercial gill netting, and the species is classified as near threatened by the IUCN mainly due to the uncertain impact on it by the expanding fishing industry.

[21] All islands where they breed have permanent human inhabitants, and anthropogenic presence has consequently led to a decrease in their habitat size.

[19] Their expanded territory to other areas like Isla Rasa and other islands in the Gulf of California bodes well for this species' future conservation.