Species Profile
White-chinned Petrel
Procellaria aequinoctialis
Quick Facts
Conservation
VUVulnerableLifespan
20–30 years
Length
50–58 cm
Weight
1000–1550 g
Wingspan
132–147 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Shoemaker, Cape Hen
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Appearance
The White-chinned Petrel is a large seabird with predominantly dark brown to black plumage. Its most distinctive feature is a white patch under the bill, which varies in size between populations. The bird has a robust body, long wings, and a pale horn or yellowish bill with a black ridge on top.
Males and females look nearly identical, though females are slightly smaller. Juveniles appear similar to adults but can be distinguished by having fresh plumage when adults are worn or moulting.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
White-chinned Petrels are found throughout the Southern Ocean, ranging from subtropical to Antarctic waters. They breed on subantarctic islands, including South Georgia, the Crozet Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands.
During the non-breeding season, they disperse widely across southern oceans. Some individuals reach the coasts of southern Australia, New Zealand, and South America, occasionally being spotted off the southern coast of South Africa.
Distribution
Diet
White-chinned Petrels primarily feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans. They often scavenge behind fishing vessels, consuming discarded fish and offal.
These birds are known to forage over vast areas of the ocean, sometimes travelling hundreds of kilometres from their breeding colonies in search of food.
Behaviour
White-chinned Petrels are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea. They are excellent flyers, using dynamic soaring to cover vast distances with minimal energy expenditure.
These birds are often seen following ships, attracted by fishing discards. They typically feed by surface-seizing but can also perform shallow dives.
Calls & Sounds
White-chinned Petrels are generally silent at sea but become vocal at their breeding colonies. Their calls include a variety of harsh croaks, grunts, and wailing sounds.
During courtship and nest defence, they produce a series of rapid, guttural 'grrr-grrr-grrr' calls, sometimes described as sounding like a creaky door.
Nesting & Breeding
White-chinned Petrels form long-term pair bonds and return to the same breeding sites annually. The breeding season typically begins in October or November, with birds nesting in burrows or natural crevices on subantarctic islands.
Females lay a single white egg in a simple nest at the end of the burrow. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 57-62 days.
The chick is brooded and fed by both parents for about 87-106 days before fledging. Young birds typically return to breed at their natal colonies after several years at sea.
Conservation
The White-chinned Petrel is classified as Vulnerable due to population declines. Major threats include accidental capture in longline fisheries, introduced predators on breeding islands, and marine pollution.
Conservation efforts focus on implementing seabird-friendly fishing practices and predator control on nesting islands.
Elevation
Sea level to 420 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult White-chinned Petrels have few natural predators at sea, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to introduced mammals such as rats and cats on breeding islands.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for White-chinned Petrels far offshore, especially in the Southern Ocean
- Watch for their distinctive white chin patch, which can be visible even at a distance
- Observe their flight pattern: low over the waves with stiff wings
- Check areas behind fishing vessels, where they often gather
Did You Know?
- White-chinned Petrels can dive up to 12 meters deep to catch prey.
- They have a keen sense of smell, which helps them locate food sources over vast ocean areas.
- These birds can live for over 30 years in the wild.
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