The Saint Helena petrel, also known as the Saint Helena gadfly petrel or large Saint Helena petrel, is an extinct species of seabird in the family Procellariidae. It was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. It most likely became extinct after overpredation by people, soon after the island's discovery in 1502. DNA results place it within the group of Atlantic Pterodroma species.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Saint Helena, it would have nested on steep coastal cliffs and rugged uplands, likely in burrows or crevices safe from daytime predators. At sea, it foraged over pelagic waters far from shore, ranging widely across the subtropical South Atlantic. Colonies were probably limited to suitable soils and rocky slopes with access to the ocean. Like other gadfly petrels, it would have spent most of its life offshore, returning to land only to breed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known only from subfossil remains, the Saint Helena petrel likely vanished shortly after humans discovered the island in 1502 due to overexploitation. Genetic work places it among the Atlantic gadfly petrels (genus Pterodroma). Its exact appearance is unknown, but it almost certainly bred in colonies on the island’s cliffs and uplands and foraged far out at sea.
Temperament
solitary at sea, colonial at nests
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with dynamic, stiff-winged flight over waves
Social Behavior
Like other Pterodroma, it most likely formed dense breeding colonies, nesting in burrows or rock crevices and visiting the colony mainly at night. Pairs were probably long-term monogamous, sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Outside the breeding season, birds dispersed widely over open ocean and were seldom near land.
Migratory Pattern
unknown
Song Description
At breeding sites, gadfly petrels typically give eerie, wailing calls and chattering notes at night to locate mates and defend burrows. At sea they are generally quiet.
