Grey-faced petrel
| Grey-faced petrel | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Procellariiformes |
| Family: | Procellariidae |
| Genus: | Pterodroma |
| Species: | P. gouldi |
| Binomial name | |
| Pterodroma gouldi (Hutton, 1869) | |
The grey-faced petrel (Pterodroma gouldi) is a petrel endemic to the North Island of New Zealand.
Taxonomy
This species was formerly treated as a subspecies of the great-winged petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) but has been recognized as a separate species since 2014.[1] Research published in 2016 supports the conclusion that P. gouldi should be treated as a separate species.[2]
Description
This is a large petrel, with a body length of 42–45 cm. It has a dark brown colouration, similar to the black-footed albatross, a dark bill and a whitish grey face. The wings are long and enable a buoyant style of flight.[1]
Distribution
The grey-faced petrel breeds only in the north of North Island, New Zealand. Outside of the breeding season, individuals range over the subtropical southwest Pacific Ocean, including Australia and Norfolk Island, keeping mainly in the area between 25 and 50 degrees south. Vagrants may occasionally enter Antarctic waters.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 BirdLife International (2014). "Pterodroma gouldi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2014: e.T45048990A45049599. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- ↑ Wood, Jamie R.; Lawrence, Hayley A.; Scofield, R. Paul; Taylor, Graeme A.; Lyver, Phil O'B.; Gleeson, Dianne M. (May 2016). "Morphological, behavioural, and genetic evidence supports reinstatement of full species status for the grey-faced petrel, (Procellariiformes: Procellariidae)". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. doi:10.1111/zoj.12432.
Further reading
- "Grey-faced Petrel Pterodroma gouldi". BirdLife Species Factsheet.