White-necked Petrel
A species of Gadfly Petrels Scientific name : Pterodroma cervicalis Genus : Gadfly Petrels
White-necked Petrel, A species of Gadfly Petrels
Botanical name: Pterodroma cervicalis
Genus: Gadfly Petrels
Content
Description
Description
This species resembles the Vanuatu petrel, P. occulta, but is slightly larger at 43 centimetres (17 in) in length, 95–105 centimetres (37–41 in) in wing span and 380–545 grams (13.4–19.2 oz) in weight. It has a black cap, white rear neck, dark grey back, wings and tail, and a darker rump. The underparts are white with dark bases on the primary feathers. The upperparts of worn birds become darker. It is very difficult to separate the white-necked petrel from the Vanuatu petrel at sea.
Size
43 cm
Feeding Habits
White-necked Petrel primarily consumes squid. It employs nocturnal surface-seizing and displays a preference for certain cephalopod species, with unique dietary specializations setting it apart.
Habitat
The white-necked Petrel typically inhabits marine environments, favoring vast, open oceans. It is highly pelagic, thriving in regions where cold, nutrient-rich waters ascend from the deep due to upwelling, providing ample food resources. Although white-necked Petrels are seldom seen near land, they are known to come ashore primarily for breeding within isolated island colonies scattered across broad geographical areas of the ocean.
Dite type
Piscivorous
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Albatrosses and Petrels Family
Shearwaters and petrels Genus
Gadfly Petrels Species
White-necked Petrel