Bulwer's Petrel

The Bulwer's petrel, a member of the Procellariidae family, is a small seabird with a remarkable wingspan stretching between 78 to 90 centimeters. Its body length ranges from 25 to 29 centimeters. This species is cloaked in predominantly brown plumage and is distinguished by its very long wings and elongated, pointed tail. Observers are often captivated by its buoyant and twisting flight as it gracefully forages across the ocean's surface.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Bulwer's petrel, look for its long and slender wings that facilitate its distinctive flight pattern. The brown plumage and pointed tail are also key characteristics to note. Its size is relatively small compared to other seabirds, which can aid in identification from a distance.

Habitat

The Bulwer's petrel is a marine bird, highly pelagic in nature, and is typically found far from land. It is only during the breeding season that this species comes ashore, favoring remote islands for nesting.

Distribution

This petrel has a wide distribution across tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It is a year-round resident in various locations including Cabo Verde, China, and Japan, among others. The species breeds in select areas such as the Macaronesian Islands and has been recorded as a rare vagrant in regions like Europe and North America.

Behaviour

The Bulwer's petrel is known for its loyalty to both its mate and nesting site, returning to the same location each breeding season. It forms colonies that can number in the thousands, creating a bustling community during this period.

Breeding

Nesting sites are varied, with burrows, cliff crevices, and even man-made debris serving as shelters for their eggs. The breeding season commences in April and May, with a single egg laid per clutch. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation, which lasts between 42 to 46 days, and they both contribute to feeding the chick once hatched.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Bulwer's petrel is primarily composed of small fish like sardines and squid. It also includes crustaceans and plankton, which it skillfully plucks from the ocean's surface during its flight.

Conservation status

Currently, the Bulwer's petrel is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it faces threats from predation by cats and rats in certain regions, human exploitation, and risks associated with marine pollution and light pollution. Conservation efforts are in place in some areas to protect this species and its habitat.