Phoenix Petrel

The Phoenix petrel, known scientifically as Pterodroma alba, is a medium-sized seabird of the tropical Pacific. It boasts a length of up to 35 cm and a wingspan reaching 83 cm. The bird is characterized by dark brown upperparts, a contrasting white underbelly, and a whitish throat. Both male and female Phoenix petrels share a similar appearance.

Identification Tips

When observing the Phoenix petrel, look for its distinctive dark brown upperparts and white underparts. The whitish throat can also be a key feature for identification. Its flight is typically petrel-like, with rapid wingbeats and gliding.

Habitat

The Phoenix petrel is a pelagic bird, spending much of its life over the open ocean. It comes ashore only to breed on remote islands.

Distribution

This species is found across the central Pacific Ocean. Breeding colonies are located on islands such as Phoenix, Tonga, Kiritimati, Tuamotu, Marquesas, and Pitcairn.

Behaviour

Phoenix petrels are known to lay a single white egg directly on the ground. They are also known to feed primarily at night.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Phoenix petrel mainly consists of squid, fish, and crustaceans, which they capture from the ocean's surface, often during nocturnal foraging trips.

Conservation status

The Phoenix petrel is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is due to ongoing habitat loss, small population size, predation by invasive species, and human exploitation.

Taxonomy

The Phoenix petrel was first described in 1789 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin. It is the sole species within its genus, Pterodroma, which translates to "winged runner," a nod to its agile flight. The species name, alba, means "white" in Latin, referring to its underparts. No subspecies are recognized for the Phoenix petrel.