Grey Petrel
NameGrey Petrel
Common NameGrey Petrel
Scientific NameProcellaria cinerea
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)124
Length (cm)47
Weight (g)1250
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is generally grey, with a darker grey cap and upperparts that contrast with paler grey underparts. The flight feathers are dark. It possesses a striking pale yellowish-green bill with a black tip and a dark eye.
Vocalization / CallAt sea, they are typically silent. At breeding colonies, they produce a variety of calls including harsh croaks, grunts, and mournful, wailing notes, sometimes described as cat-like.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds on subantarctic islands in the Southern Ocean, including Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Campbell Island. Disperses widely across the Southern Ocean and into temperate waters during the non-breeding season.
Identifying Featuresdark grey upperparts and head, paler grey underparts, pale yellowish-green bill with black tip, long, narrow wings for pelagic flight, dark eye
Description
A large, robust petrel characterized by its overall grey plumage, darker on the head and upperparts, and a distinctive pale bill. This highly pelagic seabird spends most of its life soaring over the open ocean, only returning to remote subantarctic islands to breed.
