Bermuda Petrel
NameBermuda Petrel
Common NameBermuda Petrel
Scientific NamePterodroma cahow
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsDark greyish-brown upperparts, head, and upper breast, contrasting sharply with white underparts. The underwing has a distinctive dark diagonal bar extending from the carpal joint to the body, and dark trailing edges. The bill is black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its eerie, wailing calls given at night from its nesting burrows, often described as 'cahow' or 'ka-ho'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeBreeds exclusively on small offshore islets of Bermuda. Spends its non-breeding season foraging in the western North Atlantic Ocean.
Identifying FeaturesDark greyish-brown upperparts contrasting with white underparts, Distinctive dark diagonal bar on the underwing, Long, slender wings adapted for oceanic flight, Nocturnal breeding habits and distinctive 'cahow' call, Black bill
Description
The Bermuda Petrel, also known as the Cahow, is a medium-sized, long-winged seabird known for its graceful, buoyant flight over the open ocean. It is a nocturnal breeder, returning to its nesting burrows on isolated islands only under the cover of darkness.
