Tahiti Petrel
NameTahiti Petrel
Common NameTahiti Petrel
Scientific NamePseudobulweria rostrata
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)84
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is sooty blackish-brown on the upperparts, head, and upper breast, contrasting sharply with a pure white lower breast and belly. The underwings are entirely dark, and it has a dark bill and feet.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are primarily heard at breeding colonies during the night, consisting of various calls including a series of 'kek-kek-kek' or 'ki-ki-ki' notes, as well as longer, mournful wails or moans.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds on remote islands in the South Pacific, including the Marquesas, Society Islands, and Tuamotus. It forages widely across the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean.
Identifying FeaturesBicolored plumage (dark upperparts, white underparts), Dark cap extending below the eye, Dark underwings contrasting with white belly, Graceful, buoyant flight over the ocean
Description
The Tahiti Petrel is a medium-sized seabird with a distinctive bicolored plumage, dark above and white below. It spends most of its life soaring gracefully over the open ocean, returning to remote islands only to breed nocturnally.
