French: Pétrel de Tahiti German: Tahitisturmvogel Spanish: Petrel de Tahití
mountains at about 6000 feet [c. 1830 m] on Tahiti, Society Islands
Subspecies and Distribution
P. r. rostrata
(Peale, 1848) – WC Pacific Ocean, breeding in Fiji, American Samoa, Society Is, Marquesas Is, Gambier Is, and possibly also on Rarotonga (Cook Is).
P. r. trouessarti
(Brasil, 1917) – tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean, breeding in Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
38–40 cm (rostrata); 315–406 g; wingspan 84 cm. Dark, large-billed gadfly petrel with white abdomen and wedge-shaped tail; elongated body, with long neck... read more
Nominate rostrata utters long, elaborate series of whistles terminating with a hooting... read more
Marine and highly pelagic, rarely approaching land except at colonies. Breeds on volcanic islands,... read more
Food and feeding
All recorded observations involve surface-seizing. Diet basically unknown, although recorded taking sea skaters (Halobates splendens... read more
Laying dates for rostrata dispersed throughout year, though peak egg-laying on Tahiti is apparently Mar–Jul, with overall... read more
Very little known. Disperses in tropical and subtropical waters of Pacific, apparently preferring... read more
Status and conservation
Not globally threatened. Currently considered Near Threatened. Poorly known. Overall population probably between 10,000 and 30,000 pairs, although BirdLife International... read more
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