Chatham Island Taiko

Pterodroma axillaris

The Chatham Island Taiko, or Pterodroma axillaris, is a critically endangered seabird endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. It is a medium-sized petrel with a wingspan of approximately 95-105 cm. The plumage is predominantly dark brown with a lighter underside and distinctive white patches on the underwings. These birds are nocturnal, nesting in burrows on the forested slopes of the Chatham Islands. They forage at sea, feeding on fish and squid. Due to predation by introduced mammals and habitat destruction, the Chatham Island Taiko population has declined dramatically, and it is considered critically endangered by the IUCN.

Habitat: Forest slopes of Chatham Islands