The Atlantic petrel is a gadfly petrel endemic to the South Atlantic Ocean. It breeds in enormous colonies on Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island, and ranges at sea from Brazil to Namibia, with most records at sea being to the west of the breeding islands, and along the subtropical convergence. Adults are about 43 cm long, powerful, large, stocky, dark in color with white belly. Their head can appear to be grey in worn plumage. Brown undercoating of wings and tail. These petrels can live on average of 15 years of age.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean
Typical Environment
Pelagic over the South Atlantic, most often along and west of the breeding islands and near the subtropical convergence. At sea it forages far from land between Brazil and Namibia. On land it breeds in vast colonies on Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha, using burrows in soft soil or tussock. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely over open ocean waters. It avoids coastal waters except when forced by weather.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Atlantic petrel breeds almost exclusively on Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha, coming ashore mainly at night to avoid predators. It nests in burrows on steep, vegetated slopes and produces a single egg each season. Invasive house mice on Gough Island heavily depredate chicks, driving declines despite the species’ large colonies at sea.
Temperament
pelagic and mostly nocturnal at colonies
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring with shearing arcs and stiff, rapid wingbeats between glides
Social Behavior
Breeds in enormous, dense colonies, excavating burrows or using natural crevices. Pairs are monogamous with strong site fidelity, sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Typically lays a single egg per season and visits colonies at night to reduce predation risk.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives mournful, wailing calls and chuckling chatter, mostly at night. Flight calls are softer moans and yelps exchanged between mates near burrows.
