The Polynesian storm petrel is a species of seabird in the family Oceanitidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Nesofregetta. This species is markedly polymorphic, consisting of several subspecies. At one time the light-colored variety were even considered a species on their own. However, subspecies are not generally accepted today.
Region
Polynesia and the tropical central Pacific
Typical Environment
At sea it ranges widely over warm tropical waters of the central and south Pacific, often far from land. Breeding occurs on small oceanic islands and atolls, using predator‑free islets with sparse vegetation, coral rubble, or rocky crevices. Colonies are scattered across parts of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, and nearby archipelagos, though many sites are now historical. Outside the breeding season it disperses broadly across pelagic waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, highly pelagic storm petrel is the sole member of the genus Nesofregetta and shows striking plumage polymorphism, from pale to very dark morphs. It breeds on remote tropical Pacific islands and visits colonies mostly at night to avoid predators. The species has declined due to introduced rats, cats, and habitat disturbance, and is now rare or absent on many former breeding islands.
Temperament
secretive and pelagic; wary at colonies
Flight Pattern
buoyant, fluttering flight with quick, shallow wingbeats; often patters on the water surface
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially or in loose aggregations on remote islets, nesting in burrows, rock crevices, or under vegetation. Mostly nocturnal at colonies, arriving after dusk and departing before dawn. Usually lays a single egg and forms long-term pairs, with shared incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
At colonies emits soft chattering trills, purrs, and squeaky calls, often given from within burrows or in flight at night. At sea it is generally quiet.
Plumage
Polymorphic: pale morph shows white underparts with dark brown upperparts and cap; dark morph is largely sooty-brown. Most birds show a contrasting white rump patch, and underwings with pale panels and darker margins. Feathers can appear slightly scaly due to pale fringes on the upperparts.
Diet
Feeds on small marine prey such as planktonic crustaceans, fish larvae, and cephalopod paralarvae taken from or just below the surface. Often forages in areas of upwelling, tide lines, and convergence zones. Will investigate natural oil slicks and occasionally follows ships to pick at surface-scattered prey.
Preferred Environment
Open oceanic waters, especially warm pelagic zones far from land. Foraging often occurs near fronts and slicks where prey concentrates, and occasionally around breeding islands.
