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
Genus: Pterodroma; Family: Procellariidae; Order: Procellariiformes.
- 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
Other Birds
Tanimbar Megapode
Megapodius tenimberensis
A large, dull-colored partridge-like bird with powerful legs and feet, an obvious crest, and pink facial skin. Shy. Singles and pairs inhabit the forest floor within the lowlands. Restricted to Tanimbar Islands, where it is the only megapode, so easily recognized. Gives raucous “KE-OW-KE-OW-KE-OW” calls as well as “KWAK-KWAK-KWAK” notes.
Donaldson Smith's Sparrow-Weaver
Plocepasser donaldsoni
A large and distinctively marked weaver. There is a dark cap above a pale cheek and throat that are separated by a black moustache stripe. The bright white rump is distinctive in flight. Found locally in dry thorn savanna and thorn scrub. Somewhat similar to White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, but easily separated by the different head pattern and the streaked rather than pure white underparts. The song is a rapid jumble of whistles and scratchy notes.
Bearded Screech-Owl
Megascops barbarus
Small, yellow-eyed owl of humid pine-oak forest in the highlands of Chiapas and Guatemala. Plumage much like other screech-owls, but ear tufts are very short and often not noticeable. It has relatively distinct whitish eyebrows and the dark marks on the underparts are somewhat scalloped rather than streaked. Song is a purring trill, which could be passed off as coming from a frog or insect. Favors denser and more humid areas than Whiskered Screech-Owl.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.