Vanuatu Petrel
Pterodroma occulta
Rare and difficult to identify, this petrel is known to breed solely on the steep vegetated slopes of Vanua Lava, in northern Vanuatu. Most frequently reported in the seas surrounding Vanuatu, it likely ranges much further afield in the southwest Pacific; unfortunately, its similarity to other petrel species and the sparse coverage of that region make determining this difficult. Note neat black cap, bright white hindcollar, and black “M” across the uppersides of the wings. Extremely similar to White-necked Petrel; Vanuatu averages slightly smaller and smaller-billed overall, and with minimal amounts of white on the undersides of the primaries compared to White-necked. However, some Vanuatus can show significant white “tongues” in the primary undersides, and as such, identification remains extremely difficult away from the species’ core range in northern Vanuatu. Juan Fernandez Petrel can also be very similar, but lacks the bright white hindcollar and has even more extensive white tongues on the primary undersides. Typically solitary at sea, but can congregate in feeding flocks, sometimes with other species.
Identification
This species resembles the white-necked petrel, but is slightly smaller at 40 centimetres (16 in) in length and 300–350 grams (11–12 oz) in weight. It has a black cap, white rear neck, dark grey back, wings and tail, and a darker rump. The underparts are white with dark bases to the primary feathers. Like the white-necked petrel, the upperparts of worn birds become darker.<p>It is very difficult to differentiate the Vanuatu petrel from the white-necked petrel at sea.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pterodroma occulta
- Authority
- Imber & Tennyson, 2001
- Order
- Procellariiformes
- Family
- Procellariidae
- Genus
- Pterodroma
Behavior
This is a solitary pelagic species of the open seas of the south-west Pacific. It has an effortless graceful flight with few wing beats, and does not follow ships. It feeds on the wing, picking fish and squid from near the surface.
Photos
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