South Georgia Diving Petrel
NameSouth Georgia Diving Petrel
Common NameSouth Georgia Diving Petrel
Scientific NamePelecanoides georgicus
FamilyPelecanoididae
Wingspan (cm)31.5
Length (cm)19.5
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark sooty-grey to blackish on the upperparts, including the head, back, and wings. The underparts are white, often with a grey wash on the flanks. The head and neck may show a subtle scaly or mottled pattern.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but at breeding colonies, especially at night, they produce a variety of purring, growling, and churring calls, often described as 'purr-purr-purr' or 'churr-churr-churr'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on numerous sub-Antarctic islands in the Southern Ocean, including South Georgia, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, and Macquarie Island. It disperses widely across the surrounding pelagic waters.
Identifying Featuressmall size, stocky build, short wings, dark sooty-grey upperparts, white underparts, short, stout black bill, prominent nasal tubes
Description
This small, stocky seabird is highly adapted for diving, using its short wings for underwater propulsion. It features dark upperparts and contrasting pale underparts, with a distinctive short, stout bill. Primarily found in sub-Antarctic waters, it breeds in burrows on remote islands.
