Henderson Petrel
NameHenderson Petrel
Common NameHenderson Petrel
Scientific NamePterodroma hendersoni
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)95
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsOverall sooty-brown plumage, appearing uniformly dark in flight. The upperparts are slightly darker than the underparts, which can appear a duller brown. It has a stout, dark bill and dark legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations at breeding colonies include various cooing, purring, and high-pitched 'ti-ti-ti' calls, primarily given at night. At sea, they are generally silent.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeBreeds exclusively on Henderson Island and Ducie Atoll in the Pitcairn Group, central South Pacific. At sea, it ranges widely across the central and eastern South Pacific Ocean.
Identifying FeaturesUniformly dark sooty-brown plumage, Long, pointed wings, Graceful, swooping flight pattern, Dark, stout bill
Description
The Henderson Petrel is a medium-sized, dark seabird with long, pointed wings, adapted for sustained flight over vast ocean expanses. It exhibits a graceful, swooping flight pattern, often seen gliding low over the waves. This species is highly pelagic, only returning to remote islands for breeding.
