Petrel
The Petrel (Procellariidae) is a family of seabirds. They are known for their long, pointed wings and their incredible ability to fly long distances. They are also known for their ability to walk or "patter" on water while feeding.
Petrels are often divided into several families, including the larger fulmars and shearwaters (Procellariidae) and smaller storm petrels (Hydrobatidae and Oceanitidae). These birds are found in oceans worldwide and are known for nesting on remote islands.
Petrel
Classification
Aves > Procellariiformes > Procellariidae > Procellaria > P. aequinoctialis
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
1 - 1.5 feet
(0.3 - 0.5 m)
Average Weight
2 - 4 lbs
(0.9 - 1.8 kg)
Average Life Span
15 - 20 years
Gestation Period
50 - 60 days
Did You Know?
The Petrel is a seabird known for its long migrations over the open ocean.
Many species of Petrels have a unique tube-nosed feature, which helps them excrete excess salt from the seawater they drink.
Petrels often nest in burrows or rock crevices on remote islands, returning to the same breeding sites year after year.
Their diet primarily consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans that they catch from the surface of the water or by shallow dives.
Some species of Petrels are known for their incredible sense of smell, which they use to locate food sources and their breeding colonies.
Petrels can live for a long time, with some larger species living for over 40 years.
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