Daption capense
Other names - Cape Petrel, Pintado Petrel,
Black-and-white Petrel, Spotted Petrel, Cape Fulmar, Speckled Haglet.
Identification - 40 cm (16 in.). A pigeon-sized
petrel with white underparts and underwings and distinctive black
and white chequered upperparts. There are two subspecies in our
waters with differing amounts of white on their upperwings: The
Snares Cape Pigeon D.c. australe has the white pattern of
the upperwings in discrete large blotches. The Southern Cape Pigeon
D.c. caipense has the white patterning in random markings
over the entire upperwings.
Similar species - Antarctic petrel, which
can be distinguished by lacking the chequerboard upperwing pattern.
Range - The Snares Cape Pigeon breeds on
The Snares, Bounty and Antipodes Islands, while the Southern Cape
Pigeon breeds on Antarctica and many islands off its coast.
Status - Common.
Where to see - In coastal waters of south
and Stewart Islands. Often seen from inter-islands ferries.
Notes - A keen ship follower. Formerly
numerous around whaling ships and stations.
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