White-chinned Petrel
Procellaria aequinoctialis
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
50cm to 58cm
Wingspan
132cm to 147cm
Weight
1000g to 1.55kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Black
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 420 meters
Climate zones
Subantarctic, Antarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a White-chinned Petrel. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Exceptional aerial agility demonstrated through dynamic soaring and ability to manoeuvre effectively in challenging Southern Ocean conditions. Can perform precise surface-seizing and shallow dives up to 12 metres deep, showing remarkable control in flight and water.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Robust build with substantial wingspan (134-147cm) and body mass (1-1.4kg) enables powerful flight capabilities and diving abilities. Strong enough to handle rough oceanic conditions and long-distance travel, though not amongst the strongest of seabirds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species capable of surviving in diverse marine environments from subtropical to Antarctic waters. Shows remarkable versatility in feeding strategies, including surface-seizing, diving, and scavenging. Successfully navigates vast oceanic ranges and varying weather conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays moderate aggression when competing for food behind fishing vessels and defending nesting territories. Whilst not typically aggressive, will actively defend burrows during breeding season with vocal displays and physical confrontation if necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Outstanding endurance evidenced by constant pelagic lifestyle, covering vast distances through dynamic soaring with minimal energy expenditure. Can spend years at sea before returning to breeding grounds, and capable of travelling hundreds of kilometres during single foraging trips.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
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.
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.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Procellaria aequinoctialis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22698140A132628887.
View source - 2
report, 2004: Brooke
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