Grey-backed Storm Petrel

The Grey-backed Storm Petrel, Garrodia nereis, is a diminutive seabird, a member of the austral storm petrel family Oceanitidae. It is the sole representative of its genus, Garrodia, named in honor of the English zoologist Alfred Henry Garrod. This species is characterized by its dark grey plumage, a lighter grey rump, and a contrasting white belly. Its black head and belly are distinctive, as are its black legs and square tail. With a wingspan of 39-40 cm and weighing between 21-44 grams, it is a marvel of aerial agility.

Identification Tips

To identify the Grey-backed Storm Petrel, look for its dark grey coloration with a pale grey back, which sets it apart from other storm-petrels that typically have white rumps. Its black legs and square tail are also key features to note.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Grey-backed Storm Petrel is the open seas, where it spends much of its life soaring over the waves.

Distribution

This species has a subantarctic distribution, with three disjunct populations found off the coasts of South America, South Africa, and Australia. It breeds in several locations, including the Falkland Islands, Chatham Islands, Gough Island, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Island, the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, and Fiordland on the New Zealand mainland.

Breeding

The breeding season for the Grey-backed Storm Petrel spans from August to March. During this time, they form large colonies and engage in cooperative parenting.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Grey-backed Storm Petrel as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.