The white-chinned petrel also known as the Cape hen and shoemaker, is a large shearwater in the family Procellariidae. It ranges around the Southern Ocean as far north as southern Australia, Peru and Namibia, and breeds colonially on scattered islands. The white-chinned petrel was formerly considered to be conspecific with the spectacled petrel.
Region
Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Pelagic over cold-temperate and subantarctic waters encircling the Southern Ocean, ranging north to the waters off southern South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Breeds colonially on subantarctic islands in the South Atlantic, Indian, and southwestern Pacific sectors, nesting in burrows on slopes with tussock or peat soils. Forages widely over continental shelf edges, oceanic fronts, and productive upwelling zones. Frequently attends fishing vessels for discards and offal. Nonbreeding birds disperse across vast oceanic areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Cape hen or shoemaker, the white-chinned petrel is a large, dark procellariid that ranges widely across the Southern Ocean. Its small white patch on the chin can be faint or absent in some individuals. The species is highly vulnerable to bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries and was formerly lumped with the spectacled petrel. Like many petrels, it produces energy-rich stomach oil used to feed chicks and for self-defense.
A white-chinned petrel off the coast of Kaikōura
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
dynamic-soaring glider with strong, stiff-winged arcs
Social Behavior
Breeds in large colonies, nesting in burrows or crevices and laying a single egg. Mostly nocturnal at colonies, likely to reduce predation. Adults show high site fidelity and long-term pair bonds. Outside breeding, gathers in loose flocks over rich feeding areas and behind fishing vessels.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies, emits moans, chuckles, and rattling notes, with gruff, rhythmical calls that inspired the name 'shoemaker.' At sea it is generally quiet, vocalizing mostly during nocturnal colony activity.
Plumage
Uniform sooty-brown to blackish plumage with a variable small white patch on the chin; feathers appear slightly glossy when fresh.
Diet
Takes fish, squid, and crustaceans, often concentrating where prey is driven to the surface by predators or oceanic fronts. Frequently scavenges discards and offal from fishing vessels. Capable of shallow dives and surface seizing, and will patter along the surface to pick items. Opportunistic and wide-ranging, tracking productive waters.
Preferred Environment
Feeds over continental shelf breaks, upwelling zones, and convergence fronts where productivity is high. Commonly follows trawlers and longliners, especially in the South Atlantic and southern Indian Ocean.
