The mottled petrel or kōrure is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels. It usually attains 33 to 35 cm (13–14 in) in length with a 74 to 82 cm (29–32 in) wingspan.
Region
South Pacific and North Pacific Oceans
Typical Environment
Breeds on predator-free islands and coastal hills around southern New Zealand, then disperses widely across the open Pacific. During the non-breeding season it ranges through temperate to subarctic waters of the North Pacific, including areas near the Aleutians and the Bering Sea. At sea it favors deep pelagic waters far offshore and often forages along productive frontal zones and upwellings. It is rarely seen from land except near breeding colonies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as kōrure in Māori, the mottled petrel is a long-distance transequatorial migrant that breeds around southern New Zealand and spends the non-breeding season across the North Pacific. It is strictly pelagic, coming to land only to breed, and visits colonies at night to avoid predators. Like many gadfly petrels, it can live for decades and returns to the same burrow with a long-term mate.
Temperament
pelagic and elusive
Flight Pattern
swift shearing flight with arcing glides and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
A colonial burrow-nester, it breeds in loose to dense colonies on predator-free islands. Birds visit colonies at night, with pairs forming long-term bonds and raising a single chick per season. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives soft cooing, wailing, and chattering calls mostly at night. At sea it is generally silent, vocalizing primarily near burrows or in flight over the colony.
