Pterodroma mollis
The Soft-plumaged Petrel, *Pterodroma mollis*, is a medium-sized gadfly petrel, typically measuring 32-37 cm in length with a wingspan of 82-95 cm and weighing between 280-450 grams. Its plumage features dark grey upperparts, including a distinct dark cap and nape that contrasts sharply with a white forehead, throat, and underparts. A key identification feature is the often-visible dark 'M' pattern stretching across its dusky grey upperwings, particularly prominent in flight. Taxonomically, i...
Primarily a pelagic seabird, spending most of its life over the open ocean, far from land. It breeds exclusively on remote oceanic islands and islets, nesting in burrows or rock crevices, often on steep, vegetated slopes.
Feeds predominantly on small cephalopods (squid), crustaceans (such as amphipods and euphausiids), and small fish. It forages by surface-seizing prey from the water or by performing shallow, short dives.
At sea, Soft-plumaged Petrels are largely diurnal, engaging in active foraging. However, at their breeding colonies, they exhibit strict nocturnal activity, arriving and departing under the cover of darkness to evade aerial predators like skuas. Courtship involves elaborate aerial displays over t...
The Soft-plumaged Petrel boasts a wide but fragmented breeding distribution across subtropical and temperate oceanic islands in the South Atlantic, Indian, and South Pacific Oceans. Major breeding colonies include the Azores, Madeira, and Desertas Islands in the Atlantic; Tristan da Cunha and Gou...
Least Concern
- The Soft-plumaged Petrel is famous for its ability to squirt a foul-smelling, oily stomach content at predators, a highly effective defense mechanism. - Despite its common name, its plumage is not noticeably 'soft' compared to other petrels; the name likely refers to its subtle, diffuse grey co...