Providence Petrel
A species of Gadfly Petrels Scientific name : Pterodroma solandri Genus : Gadfly Petrels
Providence Petrel, A species of Gadfly Petrels
Botanical name: Pterodroma solandri
Genus: Gadfly Petrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Toby Hudson
Description
The providence petrel (Pterodroma solandri) is a species that nests in two locations in the Tasman Sea: Lord Howe Island (some 800 km from the Australian mainland) and Philip Island. Of roughly pigeon like proportions (40 cm), the bird was once also numerous on Norfolk Island. However, its population there was consumed by starving transportees, sent to Norfolk Island as way of punishment. Nonetheless it numbers some 100,000 on Lord Howe Island. Graceful and supple in flight, the providence petrel has a cumbersome propensity on the ground, making it vulnerable to attack by predators. Despite its reasonably copious strength of numbers, the providence petrel is deemed to be in a precarious disposition because its breeding is confined to two mountain tops and one tiny islet, and is therefore at great risk from a catastrophe. This species is classified as vulnerable. Main causes of death are predation by the endangered Lord Howe rail and flooding of burrows. Other dangers include rat predation and drowning in longline fishing gear. The current population is estimated at 64,000. The scientific name of this species was given in honour of the Swedish botanist Daniel Solander, Solander's petrel being an alternative common name.
Size
38-46 cm (15-18 in)
Feeding Habits
Providence Petrel predominantly consumes squid, supplemented by fish and crustaceans, captured through its skilled nocturnal hunting and dynamic aerial foraging techniques. Unique adaptations enable providence Petrel to exploit specific prey within its marine environment.
Habitat
Providence Petrel is typically found in marine and pelagic habitats, often venturing well beyond the continental shelf. These birds breed in mountainous areas that can reach elevations of up to 900 meters but are primarily situated between 500 and 800 meters above sea level. Providence Petrel's breeding grounds are predominantly in forested regions, though they also descend to sea level to utilize grassland areas.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Species Status
VULNERABLE. Also listed as Vulnerable in Australia.
Photo By Toby Hudson
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Albatrosses and Petrels Family
Shearwaters and petrels Genus
Gadfly Petrels Species
Providence Petrel