Birds
Black Petrel
Procellaria parkinsoni · also called Parkinson's petrel
Climbing high onto forested peaks to dig its nesting burrow, a black petrel breeds only on two small New Zealand islands, then ranges across the wider Pacific Ocean where longline fishing fleets pose an ongoing threat to its survival.
Overview
The black petrel, Procellaria parkinsoni, is a Vulnerable seabird native to ocean and coastal habitat across the Pacific Ocean, breeding only on two small islands off New Zealand. Its extremely restricted breeding range, unusual high-elevation nesting habit, and vulnerability to longline fishing across a vast foraging range make it one of the more conservation-critical Procellaria petrels found anywhere in the Pacific.
A mountain nest for an ocean traveller
Despite spending most of its life ranging across enormous stretches of open Pacific Ocean, the black petrel returns each breeding season to dig its nesting burrow high on the forested peaks of just two small islands, a striking contrast between its wandering adult life and its narrow breeding footprint.
Status
Vulnerable, with populations confined to just two small breeding islands and affected by longline fishing bycatch across their wide Pacific foraging range.
Black Petrel: common questions
Where does the black petrel breed?
This species breeds only on two small islands off New Zealand's North Island, making it one of the most geographically restricted breeding ranges of any Procellaria petrel.
Why does the black petrel nest high on mountains?
This species nests in burrows dug high on forested peaks, often climbing considerable elevation from the coast, a strategy that may help it avoid some predators and disturbance found at lower elevations.
Why is the black petrel also called Parkinson's petrel?
This species carries this alternative name in honour of Sydney Parkinson, an eighteenth-century artist who documented wildlife during an early scientific voyage through the Pacific.
How far does the black petrel travel outside the breeding season?
This species migrates far across the Pacific Ocean outside the breeding season, exposing it to longline fishing fleets operating well beyond its small New Zealand breeding islands.