Herald Petrel

Pterodroma heraldica(Salvin, 1888)

Critically EndangeredNative

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Herald petrel is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels. Its range includes the south Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Watch for its tendency to fly much higher above the sea surface than most other petrels, frequently wheeling in broad circles at great altitude.

flight

Observe the 'towering' flight style characterized by extremely high, steep arcs and rapid glides that take the bird well above the horizon.

plumage

Regardless of the color morph, look for a diagnostic silvery-white flash or 'patch' at the base of the underwing primary feathers.

size_and_shape

Identify the 'bull-headed' silhouette and notice how the wings are distinctly pushed forward and bowed downwards at the wrist joint during glides.

voice

Generally silent at sea, they emit a rapid, staccato 'ti-ti-ti' or high-pitched chattering call when returning to breeding colonies at night.

02 · Where

Breeding range: IO, PO : Round I. (north-east of Mauritius, central Mascarenes, south-west Indian Ocean); Raine I. (few; north-east Australia), Chesterfield Reefs (New Caledonia), Tonga and Samoa (central Polynesia) to south Cook, Austral, Marquesas, Tuamotu and Pitcairn groups and Rapa Nui (Easter=Eastern Is. group, south-east Polynesia)
Non-breeding range: To Peru Current

03 · When

Months this species is recorded across its Australian range.

05 · Behaviour

06 · Gallery

2 photos

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