The Kerguelen petrel is a small slate-grey seabird in the family Procellariidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Aphrodroma. It is a pelagic, circumpolar seabird of the Southern Ocean. It breeds on islands in the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Region
Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
This petrel is circumpolar in cold southern waters, spending most of its life far offshore. It breeds on remote subantarctic islands in the southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans, including the Kerguelen, Crozet, and Prince Edward groups, among others. At sea it frequents frontal zones and shelf breaks where prey concentrates. It rarely approaches continental coastlines except during storms or dispersal. Nests are dug into soft, often wet soils or peat on grassy or shrubby slopes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kerguelen petrel is the sole member of the genus Aphrodroma and is a small, slate-grey seabird of the Southern Ocean. It nests in burrows on subantarctic islands and visits colonies mostly at night to avoid predators. Outside the breeding season it ranges widely and pelagically, circling the high southern latitudes. Its name reflects a strong association with the Kerguelen Islands.
Aphrodroma brevirostris - MHNT
Temperament
solitary at sea, colonial when breeding
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with stiff wingbeats and low glides over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose to dense colonies, nesting in burrows excavated in soft ground. Mostly nocturnal at colonies, arriving and departing under darkness. Pairs form long-term bonds, laying a single egg with both adults sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives moaning, wailing, and cackling calls, often exchanged between partners in the burrow. It is generally silent while at sea, vocalizing mainly at night near nesting areas.
Plumage
Uniform slate-grey with slightly darker upperparts and subtly paler underparts; underwing shows darker edges with a paler central panel.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fish (especially lanternfish), squid, and crustaceans. Often takes prey by surface seizing and shallow plunging, and may patrol along frontal zones where prey is concentrated. It occasionally associates with other seabirds over productive waters and can follow ships to scavenge. Foraging is opportunistic, tracking oceanic productivity and currents.
Preferred Environment
Open pelagic waters of the Southern Ocean, especially near shelf edges and convergence zones. Rarely seen close to land except around breeding islands or during storms.
