Atlantic Petrel
NameAtlantic Petrel
Common NameAtlantic Petrel
Scientific NamePterodroma incerta
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)105
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)600
Plumage DetailsThis petrel has a dark sooty-brown head, upperparts, and upperwings. Its underparts are white, creating a stark contrast with the dark plumage above. The underwing coverts are dark, contrasting with paler flight feathers.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, the Atlantic Petrel produces various calls at its breeding colonies, including a series of 'kek-kek-kek' notes and 'pee-oo' calls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeThe Atlantic Petrel breeds exclusively on Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Outside the breeding season, it disperses widely across the South Atlantic, ranging from the coasts of Brazil and Argentina to southern Africa.
Identifying FeaturesDark brown upperparts contrasting with white belly, Dark underwing coverts, Graceful, arcing flight pattern, Large size for a petrel
Description
The Atlantic Petrel is a large, dark-brown seabird with a contrasting white belly, known for its graceful, arcing flight over the open ocean. It spends most of its life at sea, only returning to remote islands to breed.
