MacGillivray's prion is a species of small petrel in the Southern Ocean. It is found on Roche Quille, off Saint Paul Island and on Gough Island in the Tristan da Cunha group, south-central Atlantic Ocean. It was formerly present on Amsterdam Island in the central South Indian Ocean. The population on Saint Paul Island has been increasing since the 1990s eradication of introduced rats and rabbits, but is still likely smaller than the original size.
Region
South Atlantic and Southern Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
At sea it ranges across cool temperate to subantarctic waters, often near oceanic fronts where plankton concentrates. It breeds on Gough Island (Tristan da Cunha) and on Roche Quille off Saint Paul Island, with historical presence on Amsterdam Island. Nesting occurs in burrows or rock crevices on coastal slopes with dense vegetation. Away from colonies it is highly pelagic, foraging over deep ocean and along shelf edges. It is seldom seen near mainland coasts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
MacGillivray's prion is a small subantarctic petrel notable for its sieving bill lined with lamellae that filter tiny crustaceans from the water. It breeds in burrows on remote islands and comes ashore mostly at night to avoid predators. The taxon was long confused with similar prions but is now widely treated as a distinct species. Colonies have shown recovery where invasive mammals were eradicated, notably near Saint Paul Island.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
low shearing flight with rapid wingbeats and short glides over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially, nesting in burrows or crevices on vegetated slopes. Pairs are generally monogamous, laying a single egg and sharing incubation and chick rearing. Adults visit colonies mostly at night and show strong site fidelity to burrows and colonies.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocal mainly at night in colonies, giving soft, chattering trills and cooing calls. In flight near burrows it produces rolling, nasal notes used for mate contact and territorial signaling.
