The South Georgia diving petrel or Georgian diving-petrel is one of five very similar small auk-like diving petrels of the southern oceans. It is native to the South Atlantic and islands of the southern Indian Ocean and south-eastern Australia.
Region
Subantarctic and southern oceans
Typical Environment
Breeds on subantarctic islands in the South Atlantic and southern Indian Ocean, including South Georgia and nearby archipelagos. At sea it ranges widely across cold, nutrient-rich waters, often near the Subantarctic Front. Non-breeding dispersal can extend into waters off the southern Indian Ocean and the Tasman region near southeastern Australia. Colonies are typically on coastal slopes with tussock grass or scree where burrows can be excavated. Foraging occurs over the open ocean, shelf edges, and productive upwelling zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite their auk-like look and underwater 'wing-propelled' dives, diving petrels are true tubenoses related to albatrosses and shearwaters. They nest in burrows and visit colonies mostly at night to avoid predators. This species is extremely fast over the water, often skimming the waves with rapid, whirring wingbeats. Distinguishing it from other diving petrels usually requires close views of bill size and subtle underwing pattern.
Egg of Pelecanoides georgicus
Temperament
social and active at sea, secretive at colonies
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, skimming low over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially, often in dense aggregations on slopes where it digs burrows in soft soil or between rocks. Adults visit nests at night, laying a single egg and sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Pairs are typically monogamous within a season and show site fidelity to successful burrows.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives soft trills, purring notes, and gruff chattering calls, mostly at night from within or near burrows. At sea it is generally silent.
Plumage
Compact, auk-like seabird with blackish-brown upperparts and clean white underparts; underwings mostly pale with darker edges. Feathers are dense and sleek, aiding hydrodynamic diving.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small marine crustaceans such as copepods, krill, and amphipods, with occasional small fish larvae. It pursues prey underwater using its wings, performing quick, shallow to moderate dives. Typical dive depths are on the order of 10–30 m, with repeated rapid bouts when prey is concentrated. Foraging often targets swarms associated with oceanic fronts and upwelling.
Preferred Environment
Most feeding occurs over open ocean and along productive shelf edges and frontal zones. It may forage near the surface when prey is available but also dives repeatedly in areas of high plankton density.
