The blue petrel is a small seabird in the shearwater and petrel family, Procellariidae. This small petrel is the only member of the genus Halobaena, but is closely allied to the prions. It is distributed across the Southern Ocean but breeds at a few island sites, all close to the Antarctic Convergence zone.
Region
Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Circumpolar at subantarctic latitudes, most abundant near the Antarctic Polar Front. Breeds on scattered island groups such as the Kerguelen, Crozet, Prince Edward/Marion, and Macquarie Islands, nesting in burrows or rock crevices on tussock-covered slopes. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely over cold, productive offshore waters. It forages over open ocean far from land and rarely approaches coasts except near colonies. Colony access and activity are mostly nocturnal to reduce predation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue petrel is the only member of the genus Halobaena and is closely related to the prions. It ranges widely across the Southern Ocean but breeds in dense colonies on a few subantarctic islands, visiting the colonies at night. Like other tubenoses, it can detect dimethyl sulfide (DMS) to locate plankton-rich waters. It travels thousands of kilometers between breeding and feeding areas each year.
Holding a blue petrel during a ringing campaign.
Halobaena caerulea
Temperament
solitary at sea, highly colonial when breeding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with low glides and dynamic soaring over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, nesting in burrows or crevices; pairs are largely monogamous and often retain long-term bonds. Adults visit colonies at night to avoid predation and engage in mutual displays at the burrow entrance. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly silent at sea; at colonies gives soft, rolling trills and chattering calls, often in duets between mates. Vocalizations are delivered at night and are muffled from within burrows.
