The black-winged petrel is a species of seabird in the family Procellariidae. It breeds on a number of oceanic islands in the tropical and subtropical East Pacific Ocean and spends the rest of the year at sea.
Region
Tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds on scattered oceanic islands including parts of the southwest Pacific, then disperses widely across tropical and subtropical Pacific waters. At sea it is strictly pelagic, ranging far from land over deep offshore waters. Breeding colonies occur on vegetated slopes and coastal terraces where soil allows burrow excavation. Outside the breeding season it roams broadly, often far north of breeding latitudes. It rarely approaches coastlines except when returning to colonies at night.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This gadfly petrel spends most of its life far offshore, returning to remote islands only to breed in burrows at night. Like other tubenoses, it has specialized nasal glands to excrete excess salt, allowing it to drink seawater. Pairs are typically long-term monogamous and share incubation of a single egg. Its graceful, shearing flight lets it cover vast distances across the Pacific.
Near Vanua Levu, Fiji Isles
Temperament
solitary and pelagic
Flight Pattern
shearing flier with dynamic soaring and swift, stiff-winged arcs
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on remote islands, nesting in burrows dug into soil or under dense vegetation. Mostly nocturnal at colonies, reducing predation risk; pairs are monogamous and often reunite at the same burrow annually. One white egg is laid per season, and both adults share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At sea generally silent, but at night around colonies it gives mournful wails, chatters, and moaning calls. Vocalizations help mates locate each other and coordinate at the burrow in darkness.
