White-headed petrel

The white-headed petrel (Pterodroma lessonii), also known as the white-headed fulmar is a species of seabird in the petrel family, or Procellariidae. Its length is about 400 mm.[2]

White-headed petrel

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Procellariidae
Genus: Pterodroma
Species:
P. lessonii
Binomial name
Pterodroma lessonii
(Garnot, 1826)

White-headed petrels breed alone or in colonies in burrows dug among tussocks and herbfields on subantarctic islands.

Diet

They appear to feed pelagically on cephalopods and crustaceans.[3]

Description

The white-headed petrel distinct with a pale white head, and prominent dark eye patch. It has long narrow wings and long pointed tail. Upper surface is pale grey which is contrasting with darker grey on the upper wings and the rump. The underside is mostly white. The bill is stout black with a large sharp hook. Gren glands are prominent. The legs are pinkish to whitish with black patches on the toes.[4]

Voice

The calls are mainly higher pitched shrill whistles ti-ti-ti or wik-wik-wik and lower pitched moans ooo-er and or-wik sounds.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Pterodroma lessonii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. "White-headed Petrel Pterodroma lessonii". BirdLife International.
  3. "Pterodroma lessonii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
  4. "White-headed petrel". New Zealand Birds Online.
  • Marchant and Higgins. (1990). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol.1. Oxford University Press: Melbourne.
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