Shearwig

Shearwigs are among the weakest enemies in the Pikmin series, though notably stronger in Pikmin 1. They burrow under the ground like other Mandiblards, emerging only when Pikmin are near. They are also able to fly if in danger, which replenishes health, and they take damage steadily in water. Bridges are eaten by Shearwigs (as well as Sheargrubs, both male and female, and Cloaking Burrow-nits) on days after they have been built in some places.

They can eat only one Pikmin at a time, and take quite a while to kill it. The easiest way to defeat Shearwigs is to swarm them with Pikmin; if they fly, a singly accurate throw kills them instantly. In the first game, there is a glitch where members of this species are invulnerable after swallowing a Pikmin and before killing it, which renders the time - which with any other beast could be used to kill it and save the Pikmin - useless.