White-necked Petrel

The White-necked Petrel, or Pterodroma cervicalis, is a seabird of the Procellariidae family, known for its distinctive white nape. This species is a medium-sized petrel, measuring approximately 43 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 95 to 105 cm, and weighing between 380 and 545 grams. It sports a black cap, a white rear neck, and dark grey upperparts including the back, wings, and tail. The underparts are predominantly white, with dark bases on the primary feathers. As the plumage wears, the upperparts of the bird may appear darker.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the White-necked Petrel from its close relative, the Vanuatu Petrel, can be quite challenging, especially at sea. The White-necked Petrel is slightly larger and has a darker rump compared to its counterpart. Observers should note the white nape and the pattern of dark bases on the primary feathers for accurate identification.

Habitat

The White-necked Petrel breeds in subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland. Outside the breeding season, it is a pelagic bird, roaming the open seas of the south-west Pacific.

Distribution

This petrel is known to breed exclusively on Macauley Island in New Zealand's Kermadec Islands, as well as on Norfolk Island and Phillip Island, which are Australian territories. It was once a breeder on Raoul Island but has since been extirpated there. While there have been reports of breeding on Merelava in Vanuatu, these are more likely attributed to the Vanuatu Petrel.

Behaviour

The White-necked Petrel is a solitary bird that exhibits an effortless and graceful flight with few wingbeats. This species is pelagic, spending much of its life at sea except when breeding.

Similar Species

The Vanuatu Petrel, Pterodroma occulta, is very similar in appearance to the White-necked Petrel and can be difficult to distinguish at sea. The Vanuatu Petrel is considered by some to be a subspecies of the White-necked Petrel.

Diet and Feeding

The White-necked Petrel feeds on the wing, skimming fish and squid from just below the surface of the water.

Conservation Status

The White-necked Petrel is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The primary threat to this species is habitat loss on its breeding grounds.