White-headed Petrel

The White-headed Petrel, or Pterodroma lessonii, is a seabird of the petrel family Procellariidae. It measures approximately 400 mm (16 inches) in length, presenting a striking appearance with its pale white head and a contrasting dark eye patch.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its long, narrow wings and long, pointed tail. The upper surface of the White-headed Petrel is a pale grey, with darker grey on the upper wings and rump. Its underside is predominantly white. A stout black bill with a large sharp hook is notable, along with green glands that are quite prominent. The legs range from pinkish to whitish, featuring black patches on the toes.

Habitat

White-headed Petrels are known to breed in burrows, which they dig among tussocks and herbfields on subantarctic islands.

Diet and Feeding

These birds feed pelagically, primarily on cephalopods and crustaceans.

Voice

The vocalizations of the White-headed Petrel include higher-pitched shrill whistles, articulated as 'ti-ti-ti' or 'wik-wik-wik', and lower-pitched moans that sound like 'ooo-er' and 'or-wik'.

Conservation Status

The White-headed Petrel is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.