Wilson's storm petrel
One of the most abundant seabirds, breeding in Antarctica.
Wilson's storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus), also known as Wilson's petrel, is a small seabird of the austral storm petrel family Oceanitidae. It is one of the most abundant bird species in the world, with a circumpolar distribution mainly in the seas of the southern hemisphere but extending northwards during the northern hemisphere's summer. The name commemorates the Scottish-American ornithologist Alexander Wilson, and the genus name Oceanites refers to the mythical Oceanids, the three thousand daughters of Tethys.
- Scientific name
- Oceanites oceanicus
- Family
- Oceanitidae
- Average weight
- 40 g
- Length
- 16–18.5 cm
- Wingspan
- 38–42 cm
- World population (2022 estimate)
- 8–20 million birds, stable
- IUCN status
- Least concern
Lore & Background
Wilson's storm petrel was originally described in the genus Procellaria and later placed under Oceanites. Two or three subspecies are recognized; one population, maorianus from New Zealand, may be extinct. The nominate population breeds from Cape Horn to the Kerguelen Islands, while exasperatus breeds along the Antarctic coast in the South Shetland and other islands. A population from Tierra del Fuego was described as chilensis but is considered a nomen nudum, though some authors have reinstated it, noting white mottling on the belly. Early literature used the name Mother Carey's chicken, and the generic name stormy petrel referred to the idea that their appearance foretold stormy weather. F. M. Littler and others called it the yellow-webbed storm-petrel.
Reader's Guide
Wilson's storm petrel is significant as one of the most abundant bird species globally, with a stable population estimated at 8–20 million birds in 2022. It is the smallest warm-blooded animal that breeds in the Antarctic region, averaging 40 g. Its breeding biology is adapted to harsh conditions: it nests in colonies close to the sea in rock crevices or small burrows, lays a single white egg, and is strictly nocturnal at breeding sites to avoid predation by larger gulls and skuas. Both parents tend the nest and feed the single chick, which remains at the nest for about 60 days. The species is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, making it difficult to see from land except during severe storms. Its unique fluttering and hovering flight, often with wings held high, allows it to soar using the slight breeze from waves, and it feeds predominantly on planktonic invertebrates near the surface. The species is evaluated as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
Did You Know?
- Wilson's storm petrel is one of the most abundant bird species in the world, with a 2022 population estimate of 8–20 million birds.
- It is the smallest warm-blooded animal that breeds in the Antarctic region, weighing about 40 g on average.
- The webbing between its toes is yellow with black spots in pre-breeding age individuals.
- The species is named after Scottish-American ornithologist Alexander Wilson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wilson's storm petrel?
It's a tiny seabird in the austral storm petrel family Oceanitidae, also nicknamed Wilson's petrel. It ranks among the most numerous bird species on the planet, with an estimated 8–20 million individuals worldwide.
Where does Wilson's storm petrel live and breed?
It breeds on Antarctic shores and then ranges across the southern hemisphere's oceans in a broad circumpolar band. In the northern summer it can drift further north into higher-latitude seas.
How big is Wilson's storm petrel?
It's a really small bird — roughly 16 to 18.5 cm long with a wingspan of 38–42 cm and an average mass of just about 40 grams.
Why is it called 'Wilson's' storm petrel?
The common name pays tribute to Alexander Wilson, a Scottish-American ornithologist. The genus name Oceanites harks back to the Oceanids, the legendary daughters of the sea deity Tethys.
Is Wilson's storm petrel rare or at risk?
Far from it; it's one of the most abundant seabirds in the world, and its population was assessed as stable in the 2022 global estimate.
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