Identification - 48 cm (19 in.). A robust,
entirely blackish-brown petrel. Its beak is ivory in colour with
a black tip and its feet are black.
Similar species - The black petrel with
which its range sometimes overlaps. The black petrel is also a smaller
bird with a more buoyant flight.
Range - Breeds only on the hills of central
Westland.
- During the breeding season it can often be seen feeding off the
Kaikoura and Westland coasts.
- In the non-breeding season it ranges to eastern Australia ans
as far afield as Peru and Chile.
Status - Uncommon.
Where to see - In coastal waters of lower
North Island and upper South Island.
- Often seen off Kaikoura.
Notes - An endemic species.
- One of the few winter nesting seabirds.
- This is the most recently discovered of our seabirds.
This page's expert editor: Brian
Parkinson, author of Fieldguide to New Zealand Seabirds.
