Masatierra petrel or De Filippi's petrel, is a species of seabird in the family Procellariidae. It is endemic to Chile where it nests in the Juan Fernández Islands and Desventuradas Islands. Its natural habitats are open seas and rocky shores.
Region
Southeast Pacific
Typical Environment
At sea it ranges over pelagic waters off Chile and northward with the Humboldt Current, often far from land. It forages over productive upwelling zones and along continental shelf edges. Breeding occurs on steep, rocky islands with shrub or grass cover where it can excavate burrows. Colonies are typically on slopes and ridgelines with friable soil or among boulders, and birds approach and depart under cover of darkness for safety.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Masatierra petrel, also called De Filippi's petrel, is a small gadfly petrel that breeds only on Chile’s Juan Fernández and Desventuradas Islands but roams widely over the southeast Pacific. It nests in burrows or rock crevices and visits colonies mainly at night to avoid predators. Invasive mammals and light pollution are key threats on breeding islands, and conservation actions focus on predator control and habitat protection.
Temperament
pelagic and elusive
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring with swift arcing glides and rapid shearing turns
Social Behavior
A colonial burrow-nester, it returns to breeding sites at night and shows strong mate and site fidelity. Pairs are monogamous and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Outside the breeding season it is solitary or in small loose groups at sea.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Around colonies it gives soft, wailing calls and short yelps, mostly at night. At sea it is generally quiet.
