The grey petrel, also called the gray petrel, brown petrel, pediunker or grey shearwater, is a species of seabird in the Procellariidae, or petrel family. It is pelagic and occurs in the open seas of the Southern Hemisphere, mainly between 32°S and 58°S.
Region
Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Pelagic across the Southern Hemisphere, mainly between about 32°S and 58°S. Breeds on remote subantarctic islands with tussock grass and peat soils, including island groups south of New Zealand and in the southern Indian Ocean. Forages over open ocean, often along shelf breaks and frontal zones. Frequently follows vessels and concentrates where prey such as squid and fish are near the surface.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Grey petrels are powerful, pelagic fliers that roam widely across the Southern Ocean and return to remote subantarctic islands to breed. They nest in burrows and visit colonies mostly at night, which helps them avoid aerial predators. The species is vulnerable to longline fishing bycatch and to invasive mammals at breeding sites, so conservation focuses on bycatch mitigation and island predator control.
Temperament
solitary and wide-ranging at sea
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring with stiff wings; long glides low over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies or scattered pairs, nesting in burrows or crevices on grassy slopes. Mostly nocturnal at colonies; pairs are long-term and raise a single chick per season. Both adults share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally silent at sea. At colonies, emits low, moaning calls, chuckles, and wailing notes during nocturnal activity, especially during courtship and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Medium-large petrel with smooth, uniform grey-brown upperparts and paler grey head; underparts whitish to pale grey with darker flanks. Underwings are mostly pale with a contrasting dark border.
Diet
Feeds primarily on squid and fish, supplemented by crustaceans and occasional carrion. Captures prey by surface seizing, shallow plunging, and contact-dipping in rough seas. Often attends fishing vessels to scavenge discards, which increases risk of bycatch.
Preferred Environment
Open ocean, especially along productive frontal zones and shelf edges. Concentrates where upwellings bring prey to the surface and during night when squid rise.
