Great-winged Petrel

The great-winged petrel, Pterodroma macroptera, is a large seabird of the Southern Ocean, notable for its dark brown plumage. A distinctive feature is the white patch near the base of its black bill, which varies among individuals.

Identification Tips

When distinguishing the great-winged petrel from similar species, observe its all-dark underwing and robust, stubby bill. Unlike the sooty and short-tailed shearwaters, this petrel exhibits a different flight pattern, often described as 'jizz'. The flesh-footed shearwater, while similar, can be differentiated by its lighter, pinkish bill. Larger Procellaria species have a less bounding flight compared to the great-winged petrel.

Habitat

This petrel is a denizen of the open ocean, rarely coming to land except to breed.

Distribution

Breeding across the Southern Hemisphere between latitudes 30 and 50 degrees south, the great-winged petrel is found on islands such as Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, the Crozet Islands, the Prince Edward Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands, as well as along the southern coasts of Australia. It is an infrequent visitor to the Pacific Ocean off California's coast.

Behaviour

The great-winged petrel is nocturnal in its feeding habits, often following whales and joining other seabirds to forage. It employs dipping and surface-seizing techniques to capture its prey.

Breeding

Breeding takes place in the southern winter, starting in April. Nests are either solitary or in small colonies and can be found in burrows or above ground among boulders or low vegetation.

Similar Species

The great-winged petrel can be confused with the sooty shearwater, short-tailed shearwater, and flesh-footed shearwater, but its unique characteristics such as the all-dark underwing and stubby bill aid in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the great-winged petrel primarily consists of squid, supplemented by fish and crustaceans. It is adept at catching its prey at night.

Conservation status

The great-winged petrel is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.