Birds
Cape Petrel
Daption capense · also called pintado petrel
Marked with a bold, checkered pattern of black and white patches across its wings and back, a Cape petrel is among the most instantly recognisable seabirds of the Southern Ocean, often trailing ships in noisy groups to scavenge scraps from the water below.
Overview
The Cape petrel, Daption capense, is a strikingly patterned seabird native to ocean and polar habitat across the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic coastline. Its bold checkered plumage, well-documented habit of following ships, and steep cliff-based breeding colonies make it one of the more visually distinctive and frequently observed seabirds found anywhere in the region.
A pattern built to stand out
While many Southern Ocean seabirds rely on subtle grey and white tones for camouflage, the Cape petrel takes the opposite approach entirely, wearing a bold, checkered pattern that makes it one of the easiest seabirds in the region to identify at a glance, even from the deck of a passing ship.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable Southern Ocean and Antarctic coastal habitat.
Cape Petrel: common questions
Why is the Cape petrel so easy to recognise?
This species has a distinctive checkered pattern of black and white patches across its wings and back, making it one of the most visually recognisable and easily identified seabirds found anywhere in the Southern Ocean.
Why does the Cape petrel follow ships?
This species is well known for following ships across the Southern Ocean, scavenging food scraps thrown overboard and often gathering in noisy groups behind vessels travelling through its range.
Where does the Cape petrel breed?
This species typically breeds on steep coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops, often in large colonies alongside other seabird species across the Southern Ocean and Antarctic coastline.
Does the Cape petrel have any defences against predators?
Yes, this species can spray a foul-smelling stomach oil at potential predators or intruders approaching its nest, a defence shared with several other petrel relatives.