The Henderson petrel is a ground-nesting species of gadfly petrel in the family Procellariidae. Adults measure on average 37 cm. It has a uniform grey-brown plumage.
Region
South-central Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
At sea, the Henderson petrel ranges widely across tropical and subtropical waters of the South Pacific, far from land. It forages over deep, oceanic habitats, often along productive fronts and convergence zones where prey concentrates. Breeding occurs only on Henderson Island, where it uses burrows in shaded forest on uplifted limestone. Birds attend colonies strictly at night, minimizing predation risk and heat stress.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This gadfly petrel breeds almost exclusively on remote Henderson Island in the Pitcairn group and is strictly nocturnal at its colonies. It nests in burrows on the forested limestone plateau and lays a single egg each season, with a long incubation and chick-rearing period. Invasive rats heavily depress breeding success, and eradication efforts have been challenging.
Temperament
pelagic and wary
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring with long, stiff-winged glides and few rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially in scattered burrow clusters under dense vegetation. Pairs are monogamous, returning to the same burrow across years and laying a single egg. Colony visits occur at night, and adults alternate long foraging trips with incubation and chick provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives low, wailing and moaning calls, interspersed with chattering notes. Vocalizations are mainly nocturnal and carry through the forest, aiding pair contact and territory defense.
