Pterodroma defilippiana
The Masatierra Petrel (Pterodroma defilippiana) is a captivating medium-sized seabird, measuring approximately 30-32 cm in length with a wingspan of 70-75 cm. Its plumage features a distinctive pattern of dark grey-brown upperparts, contrasting sharply with pristine white underparts. Key field marks include a dark 'M' pattern across its dorsal wing, a prominent dark eye patch, and a relatively short, stout black bill with a hooked tip. Taxonomically, it belongs to the order Procellariiformes,...
This pelagic species spends the majority of its life at sea, coming ashore only to breed on oceanic islands, typically nesting in burrows or rock crevices on steep slopes.
Their diet primarily consists of small squid, fish, and crustaceans, which they obtain through surface-seizing or shallow plunge-diving.
Masatierra Petrels are primarily nocturnal at their breeding colonies, arriving and departing under the cover of darkness to avoid aerial predators. At sea, they are highly pelagic, often seen soaring gracefully on stiff wings, utilizing dynamic and slope soaring techniques. Foraging involves sur...
The Masatierra Petrel is an oceanic seabird with a restricted breeding range entirely confined to the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile. Its primary breeding sites are found on Robinson Crusoe Island (formerly Masatierra) and Santa Clara Island. After breeding, individuals disperse widely across ...
Vulnerable
- The Masatierra Petrel is endemic to the Juan Fernández Archipelago, making it found nowhere else on Earth. - Its scientific name, *defilippiana*, honors Professor F. De Filippi, an Italian zoologist. - The name 'Masatierra' refers to the former name of Robinson Crusoe Island, its main breeding ...