The Phoenix petrel is a medium-sized tropical seabird, measuring up to 35 cm (1.15 ft) long, with a wingspan of 83 cm (2.72 ft). It has a dark brown upperparts plumage, white below and whitish throat. The sexes are similar.
Region
Central Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
This oceanic species ranges widely over warm tropical waters of the central and eastern Pacific, coming to land only to breed. It nests on low coral atolls and small oceanic islands with sandy or limestone substrate, using burrows, crevices, or cover under shrubs. Key breeding strongholds include islands in the Phoenix Islands and parts of French Polynesia, with birds dispersing broadly across the tropical Pacific outside the breeding season. At sea it favors productive fronts and areas where predatory fish drive prey to the surface.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Phoenix petrel is a tropical gadfly petrel that spends most of its life far offshore, returning to remote islands to breed. It nests in burrows or under dense vegetation and visits colonies mainly at night to avoid predators. Introduced mammals and human disturbance have caused major declines, but predator eradication on some islands has led to local recoveries.
Temperament
solitary and wide-ranging at sea; secretive at colonies
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring and shearing close to wave tops with rapid flicking wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on remote islands, nesting in burrows or under vegetation. Pairs are largely monogamous and often maintain long-term bonds, laying a single egg per season. Adults visit colonies primarily at night and exchange long incubation and chick-rearing shifts at sea.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies, it gives eerie, wailing calls and chattering notes during nocturnal activity. Vocalizations are rarely heard at sea, where the species is mostly silent.
Plumage
Dark brown upperparts with contrasting white underparts and a whitish throat; underwings mostly white with narrow dark margins. Feathers are sleek and waterproof, suited to a pelagic lifestyle.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small squid, lanternfish, and other small fish, as well as crustaceans. Often seizes prey from the surface or just below, sometimes pattering on the water. It may associate with predatory fish or marine mammals that drive prey upward and will occasionally take flying fish eggs. Foraging can occur over vast distances from breeding sites.
Preferred Environment
Warm, open-ocean waters far from land, especially along productive convergence zones and fronts. It also forages near schools of tuna and other large fish where prey is concentrated. Rarely approaches coastal waters except near breeding islands.
