The Herald petrel is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels. Its range includes the south Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
Region
South Pacific and Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Primarily pelagic over tropical and subtropical waters, ranging widely across the open ocean. Breeding occurs on remote oceanic islands and cays with sparse vegetation, cliffs, and rocky slopes. Birds forage far offshore over deep water, often along wind belts and oceanic fronts. Away from breeding sites they disperse broadly and may appear thousands of kilometers from colonies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Herald petrel is a gadfly petrel that spends most of its life far out at sea, returning to remote islands to breed. It is polymorphic, occurring in pale, intermediate, and dark color morphs that can look quite different in the field. At colonies it nests in burrows or rock crevices and is mostly active at night, giving eerie wailing calls. Like other tubenoses, it excels at dynamic soaring and can travel vast distances with minimal effort.
Temperament
solitary and pelagic
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring with stiff-winged glides and quick, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on remote islands, nesting in burrows, among rocks, or under low vegetation. Pairs are generally monogamous with strong site fidelity, often reusing burrows. Nocturnal activity dominates at colonies, likely to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At breeding sites, emits quavering wails, yelps, and moaning calls mostly at night. At sea it is generally silent.
Plumage
Polymorphic; pale birds show whitish underparts with a dark M-pattern across the upperwings and a gray-brown cap, while dark morphs are largely sooty-brown with slightly paler underwing panels. Intermediate morphs blend these features with mottled gray-brown tones. Flight shows narrow, pointed wings and a sleek, long-winged silhouette.
Diet
Takes small squid, fish, and crustaceans, often seizing prey from the surface or just below it. May associate with predatory fish or areas of upwelling where prey concentrates. Opportunistic and capable of long foraging trips during incubation and chick-rearing.
Preferred Environment
Forages over deep oceanic waters far from land, especially along wind lanes and convergence zones. Occasionally approaches shelf edges but is rarely seen close to coasts except near breeding islands.
