Zino's Petrel

The Zino's petrel, or freira, is a small seabird belonging to the gadfly petrel genus. It is a long-winged species, characterized by its grey back and wings adorned with a distinctive dark "W" marking. The upper tail mirrors the grey of the back, while the underwing presents a stark contrast with its predominantly blackish color, save for a white triangular patch near the body. The bird's belly is white, flanked by grey. A mottled whitish-brown forehead, a dark cap, and a dark spot below the brown eye define the head, with a black bill and flesh pink legs that transition to black-brown on the toes and webs.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing Zino's petrel from the similar Fea's petrel is a challenge at sea, with size being a subtle indicator—Zino's being the smaller of the two. Key identification features include a small, delicate bill, which may appear long and slender, particularly in females. A significant white panel on the underwing is a characteristic of Zino's petrel, although it is present in only a minority of individuals. Rounded wingtips are typical but not exclusive to Zino's, as some Fea's petrels may exhibit this trait as well.

Habitat

Zino's petrel is endemic to Madeira, favoring the central mountains' inaccessible and lush ledges for breeding. These ledges are rich in endemic flora, providing the necessary soil for the birds to construct their burrows.

Distribution

This petrel is confined to the main island of Madeira for breeding, with its at-sea distribution during the non-breeding season being less understood. Sightings have been reported across the North Atlantic, but the exact migratory patterns remain elusive.

Behaviour

Zino's petrel exhibits nocturnal habits at breeding sites to evade predators. It is known for its haunting calls during the night. The species is monogamous, with pairs returning to the same burrow each year. Longevity is notable in this species, with individuals returning to breeding sites for many consecutive years.

Song & Calls

The petrel's calls are described as long, mournful, and reminiscent of a tawny owl's hooting or a pup's whimpering. These calls are typically heard from nightfall until dawn.

Breeding

Breeding begins in late March or early April, with nests being shallow burrows on vegetated ledges. A single white egg is laid and incubated by both parents in shifts. Fledging occurs from late September to October.

Diet and Feeding

Zino's petrel feeds on small fish and squid, with its diet also including bioluminescent fish and small crustaceans. It does not typically follow ships for feeding.

Conservation status

Zino's petrel is classified as Endangered, with a very restricted range and a small population confined to Madeira's mountaintops. Conservation efforts have been underway since the 1980s, leading to a gradual recovery of the population. However, threats such as predation by introduced species and habitat destruction by fire remain significant concerns.