Pycroft's petrel is a species of seabird in the petrel and shearwater family Procellariidae.
Region
Southwest Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
At sea, this petrel ranges widely over the subtropical and temperate Southwest Pacific, especially northeast of New Zealand. It frequents open-ocean waters far from land outside the breeding season. During breeding, adults commute between offshore islands and productive shelf edges and oceanic fronts. Nests are in burrows on steep, forested or shrubby slopes with soft soil. Colonies are strictly nocturnal to avoid predation and disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pycroft's petrel is a small gadfly petrel that breeds only on a few offshore islands of northern New Zealand. It is easily confused with Cook's petrel but averages slightly darker above with a more pronounced dark 'M' across the upperwings. The species comes ashore only at night to nest in burrows and is highly vulnerable to introduced predators. Ongoing island restoration and predator eradication have led to encouraging recoveries at several colonies.
Taxidermy mount of chick
Temperament
pelagic and elusive
Flight Pattern
buoyant shearing flight with arcing glides
Social Behavior
Forms loose rafts offshore near breeding colonies and returns to land only after dark. Nests in burrows or cavities, often under forest or dense scrub, in loosely spaced colonies. Pairs are largely monogamous, laying a single egg; both adults share incubation and chick-rearing. Activity at colonies peaks on dark, moonless nights.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives tremulous, wailing calls and chattering duets while circling or on the ground at night. Calls are seldom heard at sea, where the species is generally silent.
Plumage
Upperparts medium grey with a distinct dark 'M' across the upperwings and mantle; underparts predominantly white with narrow dark edging on the underwing. Crown and nape dusky forming a cap, with a dark eye patch contrasting a pale face. Tail grey with darker terminal band; wings long and narrow with dark primaries.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small squid, fish, and crustaceans captured at or near the surface. Often forages at night when vertically migrating prey rise toward the surface. Uses agile, low shearing flights and brief dips to snatch prey, and may occasionally follow schools of predatory fish or natural fronts. Opportunistically takes scraps behind fishing vessels but is less ship-following than some larger petrels.
Preferred Environment
Open-ocean waters, especially along convergence zones, fronts, and shelf breaks where prey is concentrated. Rarely approaches shore except near breeding islands. Foraging commonly occurs over deep water beyond the continental shelf.
