The Peruvian diving petrel is a small seabird that feeds in offshore waters in the Humboldt Current off Peru and Chile.
Region
Southeast Pacific (Humboldt Current)
Typical Environment
Breeds on arid offshore islands along the coasts of Peru and northern Chile and forages over the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current. At sea it remains over the continental shelf and upwelling zones where prey is concentrated. Birds commute low over the water between colonies and nearby feeding grounds and roost on the ocean when not breeding. Nesting occurs in burrows excavated in soft guano deposits, sand, or scree on sparsely vegetated slopes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Peruvian diving petrel is a small, auk-like seabird of the cold Humboldt Current off Peru and northern Chile. It uses rapid wing-propelled pursuit dives to chase small fish and planktonic crustaceans underwater, often in areas of strong upwelling. Populations were heavily reduced by historical guano extraction and introduced predators, but some colonies are recovering with protection. It comes ashore mainly at night to breed in burrows on arid offshore islands.
Temperament
social at colonies but wary at sea
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Forms dense breeding colonies on offshore islands, nesting in burrows with a single egg per clutch. Pairs are monogamous and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing. Colony attendance is mainly nocturnal, likely to reduce predation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea, but at colonies it gives soft trills, grunts, and chatter at night. Calls are low and muffled, carrying only short distances around the burrow entrances.
