White-headed petrel
Seabird with pale white head and dark eye patch.
The white-headed petrel (Pterodroma lessonii), sometimes called the white-headed fulmar, is a seabird belonging to the petrel family Procellariidae. It measures roughly 400 mm (16 in) in length. This bird stands out for its pale white head, a prominent dark patch around the eye, long narrow wings, and a long pointed tail. Its upper surface is pale grey, contrasting with darker grey on the upper wings and rump, while the underside is mostly white. The stout black bill features a large, sharp hook, and the legs are pinkish to whitish with black patches on the toes. Green glands are also noticeable. The species breeds either alone or in colonies, digging burrows among tussocks and herbfields on the subantarctic Antipodes and Auckland Islands. Its diet appears to consist of cephalopods and crustaceans caught at sea. The calls include higher-pitched shrill whistles like *ti-ti-ti* or *wik-wik-wik*, as well as lower-pitched moans such as *ooo-er* and *or-wik*.
- length
- about 400 mm (16 in)
- family
- Procellariidae
- diet
- cephalopods and crustaceans
- breeding habitat
- burrows among tussocks and herbfields on Antipodes and Auckland Islands
- distinctive features
- pale white head, dark eye patch, stout black bill with large sharp hook, pinkish to whitish legs with black patches on toes
Lore & Background
The white-headed petrel breeds alone or in colonies, digging burrows among tussocks and herbfields on the subantarctic Antipodes and Auckland Islands. It feeds pelagically on cephalopods and crustaceans. Its calls include higher-pitched shrill whistles such as ti-ti-ti or wik-wik-wik, and lower-pitched moans like ooo-er and or-wik sounds.
Reader's Guide
The white-headed petrel is a species of seabird in the family Procellariidae, distinguished by its pale white head and prominent dark eye patch. It has long narrow wings, a long pointed tail, and a stout black bill with a large sharp hook. The upper surface is pale grey, contrasting with darker grey on the upper wings and rump, while the underside is mostly white. Green glands are prominent, and the legs are pinkish to whitish with black patches on the toes. This species breeds on the subantarctic Antipodes and Auckland Islands, nesting in burrows dug among tussocks and herbfields. Its diet consists of cephalopods and crustaceans, obtained through pelagic feeding. The white-headed petrel's vocalizations include higher-pitched shrill whistles and lower-pitched moans. Its significance lies in its role as a representative of the petrel family in subantarctic ecosystems, and its distinct appearance makes it a recognizable species for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
- The white-headed petrel is also known as the white-headed fulmar.
- It is about 400 mm (16 in) in length.
- It breeds alone or in colonies in burrows dug among tussocks and herbfields on the subantarctic Antipodes and Auckland Islands.
- Its calls include higher-pitched shrill whistles and lower-pitched moans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the White-headed petrel?
The White-headed petrel (Pterodroma lessonii) is a seabird in the petrel family Procellariidae, occasionally called the white-headed fulmar. It measures roughly 400 mm (16 in) in length and is a resident of the Indian Ocean pelagic zone.
What does the White-headed petrel look like?
It is instantly recognizable by its pale white head set against a bold dark patch around the eye, long narrow wings, and a long pointed tail. The upperparts are pale grey with darker grey on the wings and rump, while the underside is mostly white. Its stout black bill carries a large sharp hook, and the legs are pinkish to whitish with black patches on the toes.
Where does the White-headed petrel breed?
The species nests in burrows dug among tussock grass and herbfields on the Antipodes and Auckland Islands. This ground-nesting strategy in dense vegetation helps shield eggs and chicks from predators.
What does the White-headed petrel eat?
Its diet is made up mainly of cephalopods and crustaceans collected over open ocean. As a pelagic forager, it rarely comes to shore outside the breeding season.
Why is the White-headed petrel notable among Indian Ocean seabirds?
Its striking white head contrasted with the dark eye patch makes it one of the most visually distinctive members of the Procellariidae family in the region. The species is also geographically restricted, breeding on only two small island groups, which makes it a rare and locally important seabird.
More in Birds of the Indian Ocean 1-24
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