The white-headed petrel, also known as the white-headed fulmar, is a species of seabird in the petrel family, Procellariidae. It is about 400 mm (16 in) in length.
Region
Southern Ocean and subantarctic islands
Typical Environment
Breeds on subantarctic islands including the Kerguelen and Crozet archipelagos (French Southern Territories), the Prince Edward Islands (South Africa), and Macquarie Island (Australia). Outside the breeding season it disperses widely across the southern Indian and Pacific Oceans, sometimes reaching more temperate waters. It nests in burrows on slopes and coastal plateaus with dense tussock, fern, or heath. At sea it is strictly pelagic, favoring open-ocean fronts and productive shelf edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-headed petrel is a large tubenose that ranges widely across the Southern Ocean and is adept at dynamic soaring over rough seas. It returns to the same burrow year after year, usually visiting colonies only at night. Like other petrels, it has a keen sense of smell to locate patches of prey at the ocean surface. Introduced predators at breeding islands historically impacted colonies, but many sites now have active eradication programs.
Temperament
solitary at sea, gregarious at breeding sites
Flight Pattern
dynamic soaring glider with stiff-winged arcs
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies, nesting in burrows excavated in soft soil among tussock or heath. Largely nocturnal at colonies to avoid predation; pairs are long-term monogamous. A single egg is laid, with both adults sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly silent at sea, but at colonies emits eerie, wailing and chuckling calls during night flights and when at burrow entrances. Calls can carry over long distances in windy conditions.
