Procellaria parkinsoni
The enigmatic Black Petrel, *Procellaria parkinsoni*, is a large, robust seabird cloaked in a uniformly sooty blackish-brown plumage, often appearing dark rather than true black, distinguishing it from other petrels by its stout, pale yellowish bill with a contrasting dark tip and pale-flesh colored feet. Measuring approximately 46 cm (18 inches) in length with an impressive wingspan of 115-120 cm (45-47 inches), it displays a powerful, shearing flight style characteristic of the Procellariid...
Exclusively pelagic at sea, the Black Petrel returns to remote, forested hillslopes and cliffs of offshore islands in New Zealand for breeding, typically nesting at elevations from near sea-level up to several hundred meters.
The Black Petrel primarily feeds on squid and various fish species, often scavenging discards from fishing vessels, and occasionally consumes crustaceans. Its main foraging methods include surface-seizing and impressive pursuit-diving to considerable depths.
Highly pelagic and solitary at sea, the Black Petrel becomes colonial and strictly nocturnal upon returning to its breeding islands, primarily to avoid aerial predators like gulls. Foraging involves both surface-seizing of prey and impressive pursuit-diving, with individuals recorded diving to de...
The Black Petrel is an endemic breeder to New Zealand, primarily restricted to two small island groups: the Mercury Islands and Great Barrier Island (Aotea), off the northeast coast of the North Island. Historically, it also bred on the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island, but these populati...
Endangered
- The Black Petrel is one of the deepest-diving petrels, capable of plunging over 30 meters underwater to catch prey. - Its Maori name, "Tāiko," was traditionally used for the species, signifying its cultural significance to indigenous New Zealanders. - Breeding colonies are strictly nocturnal, w...