Stejneger's petrel is a species of seabird belonging to the family Procellaridae, the gadfly petrels, shearwaters and related species. This species is found in the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean, although as a breeding bird it is restricted to the Juan Fernandez Islands of Chile.
Region
Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
At sea it ranges widely across tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, often along productive oceanic fronts and convergence zones. Breeding is confined to high-elevation slopes on Alejandro Selkirk Island, where it nests in burrows on steep, vegetated terrain. Outside the breeding season it disperses north and east across the open ocean, with records from the central and North Pacific. It spends nearly all non-breeding time far from land over deep pelagic waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Stejneger's petrel is a small gadfly petrel that breeds only on Alejandro Selkirk Island in the Juan Fernández Islands, Chile, and disperses widely across the Pacific outside the breeding season. It is strictly nocturnal at the colony, visiting burrows under cover of darkness. The species faces threats from introduced predators and habitat degradation on its limited breeding grounds.
Temperament
pelagic and elusive
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with shearing arcs and rapid, stiff wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially in burrows dug into soft soil or among vegetation at high elevations. Pairs are monogamous and typically raise a single chick per season. Adults attend colonies at night to reduce predation risk, and juveniles fledge to sea without further parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea, but at colonies gives rising wails and chattering calls at night. Vocalizations are quavering and carry over the slopes, aiding mates in locating burrows.
Plumage
Clean white underparts with a contrasting gray upper side forming a dark 'M' across the wings and back; underwings mostly white with dark edging and a distinct carpal bar.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small squid, fish, and crustaceans taken from or just below the surface. It often forages along thermal fronts and areas of upwelling where prey is concentrated. May associate with predatory fish or marine mammals that drive prey to the surface. Likely takes some bioluminescent prey at night.
Preferred Environment
Open ocean far from land, especially along convergence zones and shelf-edge currents. During breeding, adults commute between offshore feeding areas and colony slopes.
