The New Caledonian storm petrel is a species of bird in the family Oceanitidae.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Coral Sea)
Typical Environment
Primarily recorded in pelagic waters off New Caledonia, including the Loyalty Islands and the Chesterfield/Bampton reefs area. It forages over warm tropical seas, often along shelf edges, ocean fronts, and slicks where prey concentrates. Sightings are typically far from shore, with birds associating loosely with other small seabirds over productive patches. Breeding localities are not confirmed but are presumed to be on remote islets within the region.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The New Caledonian storm petrel is a small, pelagic seabird of the family Oceanitidae, recently recognized as distinct within the white-bellied storm-petrel complex. It was rediscovered at sea near New Caledonia in the 2000s, but its breeding sites remain unknown. Identification hinges on its streaked underparts and contrasting underwing pattern. Like other storm-petrels, it is likely vulnerable to invasive predators where it breeds, should colonies be on small islets.
Temperament
pelagic and wary
Flight Pattern
buoyant fluttering wingbeats with short glides; often patters feet on the water surface
Social Behavior
Likely breeds colonially on remote islets, nesting in burrows or rock crevices like related Fregetta species. At sea it may forage singly or in small loose groups around productive slicks. Pairs are presumed monogamous with shared incubation and chick-rearing, but specific details remain poorly known.
Migratory Pattern
unknown
Song Description
Largely silent at sea; vocalizations are expected mainly at night around breeding sites. Calls are likely soft chattering or purring trills typical of storm-petrels, used for mate contact and territory within the colony.
Plumage
Upperparts are dark brown to blackish with a clean white rump band; underparts predominantly white with distinct dusky streaking on the belly and flanks. Underwings show a contrasting pattern with pale inner panels and darker margins and coverts. Feathers are sleek and water-shedding, typical of pelagic tubenoses.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, squid larvae, and planktonic crustaceans such as copepods and krill. It takes prey from the surface by picking while on the wing and by pattering with its feet to steady itself. It may follow convergence lines, current edges, and feeding predatory fish that drive prey to the surface.
Preferred Environment
Open ocean over warm tropical waters, especially around shelf breaks, reef systems, and fronts where prey aggregates. Often forages along slicks and upwellings with increased productivity.
