Head to head
Westland Petrel vs Black Petrel
Westland Petrel
VS Black Petrel
Both petrels are entirely endemic to small parts of New Zealand and share an unusual choice of inland, forested nesting habitat.
| Westland Petrel | Black Petrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Procellaria westlandica | Procellaria parkinsoni |
| Breeding range | A single area of New Zealand's South Island | Two small islands off New Zealand's North Island |
| Nesting habitat | Burrows under a forest canopy | Burrows high on forested peaks |
| Breeding timing | Breeds during the Southern Hemisphere winter | Not documented as unusual |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Foraging range | Tasman Sea and South Pacific | Wide-ranging across the Pacific Ocean |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean, coastal |
Westland Petrel vs Black Petrel: common questions
Which one breeds during the winter months?
The Westland petrel breeds this way, nesting during the Southern Hemisphere winter, a timing not specifically documented as unusual for the black petrel.
Which one nests at higher elevation?
The black petrel nests at higher elevation, climbing high onto forested peaks to dig its burrows, compared with the Westland petrel's forest habitat closer to the coast.
Do both breed only in New Zealand?
Yes, both species are entirely endemic to small parts of New Zealand (the Westland petrel to one area of the South Island and the black petrel to two small islands off the North Island).