Murphy's petrel is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels. The bird is 38–41 cm length, with a 97 cm wingspan, and weighs about 360 g. Its plumage is all dark sooty-grey, except for a pale chin, and pinkish legs; it does not exhibit sexual dimorphism. It was described by Robert Cushman Murphy in 1949, which is the source of the species' common name.
Region
Central and South Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Highly pelagic, ranging widely across the central and eastern South Pacific and dispersing into subtropical waters after breeding. Breeds on remote coral or limestone islands with sparse shrub cover and open ground. At sea it favors deep, open-ocean waters well offshore, often along oceanic fronts where prey is concentrated. It is seldom seen near continental coasts except during wide-ranging post-breeding movements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Murphy's petrel is a pelagic gadfly petrel that spends most of its life far from land, returning to nest on a few remote South Pacific islands. The majority of the global population breeds on tiny Ducie Atoll in the Pitcairn Islands, making the species vulnerable to any changes there. It shows little to no sexual dimorphism and was formally described by Robert Cushman Murphy in 1949. Like many Procellariiformes, it uses a keen sense of smell to locate prey at sea.
Temperament
pelagic and far-ranging
Flight Pattern
dynamic-soaring glider with stiff, rapid wingbeats between long glides
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on isolated islands, visiting colonies mainly at night to avoid predators. Nests in burrows, crevices, or under low shrubs; pairs are largely monogamous and reuse sites. Lays a single egg with shared incubation and chick-rearing by both adults.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Usually quiet at sea, but at colonies gives wailing, moaning, and yelping calls during nocturnal activity. Vocalizations carry over the colony and help mates and neighbors locate one another in darkness.
