White-necked Petrel

The White-necked Petrel, or White-naped Petrel, Pterodroma cervicalis, is a seabird of notable grace. It is slightly larger than its close relative, the Vanuatu Petrel, with a length of 43 cm, a wingspan ranging from 95 to 105 cm, and a weight between 380 and 545 grams. The bird is distinguished by its black cap and white rear neck, while its back, wings, and tail are a dark grey. A darker rump contrasts with the white underparts, which are marked by dark bases on the primary feathers. As the plumage wears, the upperparts of the bird darken.

Identification Tips

Identifying the White-necked Petrel at sea can be quite challenging, as it bears a strong resemblance to the Vanuatu Petrel. Observers should look for the bird's size, the distinct white patch on the rear neck, and the pattern of dark bases on the primary feathers of its underwing to differentiate it from its similar species.

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 and the Australian territories of Norfolk Island and Phillip Island. It was once a breeder on Raoul Island but has since been extirpated there. While it spends the non-breeding season widely distributed across the Pacific, it is not known to breed elsewhere.

Behaviour

The White-necked Petrel is a solitary bird, exhibiting an effortless and graceful flight characterized by few wing beats. It does not typically follow ships. This species is pelagic, spending much of its life over the open ocean, far from land.

Breeding

The White-necked Petrel breeds in lowland grassland habitats. Specific details on its breeding behavior are not provided.

Similar Species

The most similar species is the Vanuatu Petrel, Pterodroma occulta, which some consider a subspecies of the White-necked Petrel. The Vanuatu Petrel is very similar in appearance but slightly smaller.

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 IUCN has classified the White-necked Petrel as Vulnerable. This status reflects concerns about habitat loss on its breeding grounds, which poses a threat to the species' survival.