Garrodia nereis
The Grey-backed Storm Petrel (Garrodia nereis) is a small, enigmatic pelagic seabird distinguished by its slate-grey back and rump contrasting sharply with dark sooty-brown wings and a pure white belly, often appearing darker on the underwing coverts. Measuring approximately 16-19 cm in length with a wingspan of 39-42 cm and weighing 21-44 g, its compact build and relatively short, square tail aid identification at sea. The pale grey square rump patch, a key field mark, provides a subtle but ...
Exclusively pelagic for most of its life, the Grey-backed Storm Petrel inhabits the open waters of the Southern Ocean, only coming ashore to breed on remote, predator-free subantarctic islands, often nesting in crevices or burrows.
Primarily consumes small crustaceans (copepods, krill), marine invertebrates, and fish larvae gleaned from the ocean surface, occasionally feeding on oil droplets or other scraps.
At sea, Grey-backed Storm Petrels exhibit a graceful, buoyant flight, frequently pattering their feet on the water's surface while foraging. They are largely diurnal when feeding in pelagic zones, but become strictly nocturnal when visiting their breeding colonies, likely to avoid aerial predator...
The Grey-backed Storm Petrel is a circumpolar breeder across the subantarctic zone, with significant breeding populations on islands such as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, and the Antipodes Islands...
Least Concern
- The Grey-backed Storm Petrel is one of the smallest true seabirds, often appearing dwarfed by larger petrels and albatrosses. - Its scientific name "nereis" derives from Greek mythology, referring to the Nereids, sea nymphs, highlighting its deep connection to the ocean. - This species exhibits...