Procellaria aequinoctialis
The White-chinned Petrel, *Procellaria aequinoctialis*, is a large, robust seabird of the Southern Ocean, instantly recognizable by its sooty black plumage contrasted sharply with a distinctive white chin patch. Averaging 51-58 cm (20-23 in) in length with a formidable wingspan of 134-147 cm (53-58 in) and weighing 1.1-1.4 kg (2.4-3.1 lbs), it is one of the largest members of the Procellariidae family. Its pale, yellowish-green bill tipped with black, along with dark legs and feet, further ai...
This highly pelagic species inhabits open ocean waters, primarily in the subantarctic and cold temperate zones. It breeds exclusively on remote oceanic islands, nesting in burrows dug into tussock grass or soil.
Their diet primarily consists of cephalopods (squid), fish, and crustaceans (krill), supplemented by offal and discards from fishing vessels. They forage by surface-seizing and shallow diving.
White-chinned Petrels are primarily diurnal when foraging at sea, but become strictly nocturnal at their breeding colonies to avoid aerial predators like skuas. They are opportunistic feeders, employing surface-seizing and shallow-diving techniques, often plunging several meters deep in pursuit o...
The White-chinned Petrel has a wide circumpolar distribution across the Southern Ocean, primarily ranging between 30°S and 60°S latitude. Its breeding range is restricted to numerous subantarctic islands, including South Georgia, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Auckland ...
Vulnerable
- White-chinned Petrels are among the deepest-diving petrels, capable of plunging to depths of over 12 meters (40 feet) to catch prey. - They are one of the largest petrel species, often weighing more than a kilogram. - Their highly developed sense of smell allows them to detect food sources, inc...