Pycroft's Petrel
NamePycroft's Petrel
Common NamePycroft's Petrel
Scientific NamePterodroma pycrofti
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)27
Weight (g)140
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark grey on the upperparts, featuring a prominent dark 'M' pattern across the wings, which contrasts sharply with its pure white underparts. It has a dark cap extending below the eye, a pale forehead, and a slender dark bill.
Vocalization / CallAt its breeding colonies, Pycroft's Petrel is known for its nocturnal vocalizations, which include a series of high-pitched, squeaky 'pee-pee-pee' notes and various purring or churring sounds.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeThis species breeds exclusively on a few small islands off the North Island of New Zealand. During the non-breeding season, it disperses widely across the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean, ranging as far north as Hawaii and east to the Galapagos Islands.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark 'M' pattern on upperwings, dark cap and eye patch, white underparts, rapid wingbeats and long glides
Description
A small, slender gadfly petrel, Pycroft's Petrel is characterized by its distinctive flight pattern of rapid wingbeats interspersed with long glides over the open ocean. It is a pelagic species, only returning to land to breed in burrows on remote islands.
