Cook's Petrel
NameCook's Petrel
Common NameCook's Petrel
Scientific NamePterodroma cookii
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)69
Length (cm)27.5
Weight (g)205
Plumage DetailsThis petrel has pale grey upperparts with a distinctive dark 'M' pattern across the upperwings, contrasting with its clean white underparts. It features a dark eye patch and a slender, dark bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of high-pitched squeaks, whines, and cackles, primarily heard at night around their breeding colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, forest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds on a few islands off New Zealand, primarily Little Barrier Island, Great Barrier Island, and Codfish Island. During the non-breeding season, it migrates to the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the coast of California south to Chile.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Pale grey upperparts, White underparts, Dark 'M' pattern on upperwings, Dark eye patch, Slender dark bill, Graceful, buoyant flight
Description
The Cook's Petrel is a small, pelagic seabird known for its graceful, buoyant flight over the open ocean. It breeds in burrows on forested islands and migrates long distances across the Pacific.
