Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi
The Fiji Petrel (*Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi*) is a notoriously enigmatic and critically endangered gadfly petrel, often hailed as a "Lazarus species" due to its rediscovery after being thought extinct for over a century. This small, dark seabird measures approximately 29 cm (11.5 in) in length with a wingspan around 73 cm (29 in), characterized by its overall sooty-brown to blackish plumage. Distinctive field marks include a pale greyish-blue bill with a dark tip, dark legs, and notably, p...
This pelagic seabird spends most of its life at sea, returning to land exclusively to breed in dense, high-altitude (600-900m) moist cloud forests on Gau Island, Fiji.
The Fiji Petrel primarily feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, which it catches by surface-feeding while gliding over the open ocean.
On its breeding grounds, the Fiji Petrel is strictly nocturnal, likely a strategy to avoid predation, calling as it flies to and from its burrow nests. These birds exhibit strong philopatry, returning to the same breeding areas year after year, and are presumed to be monogamous with long-term pai...
The breeding range of the Fiji Petrel is remarkably restricted, confirmed solely to the dense, high-altitude cloud forests (600-900m) of Gau Island, Fiji. Outside of the breeding season, its non-breeding range is pelagic and largely unknown, presumed to be widespread across the tropical South Pac...
Critically Endangered
- The Fiji Petrel was known for 129 years only from a single specimen collected in 1855, leading many to believe it was extinct until its rediscovery in 1983. - It is often called a "Lazarus species" because it reappeared after being presumed lost forever. - This bird breeds exclusively on Gau Is...