Northern Giant Petrel

Macronectes halliMathews, 1912

VulnerableNative

Order: PROCELLARIIFORMES
Family: Procellariidae
Genus: Macronectes

Conservation: Vulnerable
Commonness: Rare
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The northern giant petrel, also known as Hall's giant petrel, is a large, predatory seabird of the southern oceans. Its range overlaps broadly with the range of the related southern giant petrel, albeit slightly further to the north.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 35–42 cm
Wingspan: 180 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

To take off from the water, this species performs a long, lumbering run across the surface while vigorously paddling its feet and flapping its wings to gain lift.

flight

Observe the 'hunchbacked' appearance in flight, where the bird carries its head slightly lower than the line of its back.

plumage

Focus on the tip of the massive bill, which is a distinct reddish-brown or pinkish-yellow color, contrasting with the rest of the pale bill.
Adults show a mottled grey-brown body with a noticeably paler whitish face and chin, complemented by striking pale grey or whitish eyes.
Juveniles are entirely dark chocolate-brown and lack the pale facial markings of adults, with their face and plumage gradually lightening as they mature.

size_and_shape

The bird has a distinctly 'front-heavy' silhouette due to its exceptionally thick neck and massive bill with a large, prominent tube on top.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: Islands north of Antarctic Convergence from South Georgia to Macquarie (far south-east of Australia) and Stewart, Chatham (east of South I.), Antipodes (south-east of Stewart I.), and Auckland and Campbell is. (south of South I.; New Zealand)
Non-breeding range: Widespread in all south oceans mostly north of Antarctic Convergence

03 · When

When to look

Months this species is recorded across its Australian range.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

2 photos

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How to tell it apart

Where to find it

When to look

Habits and haunts

Diet & foraging

Habitats

Range notes

Plumage up close

Log your next Northern Giant Petrel in the field