White-chinned Petrel

Procellaria aequinoctialis

The White-chinned Petrel, also known as the Cape Hen, is a seabird found in the Southern Ocean. It has a predominantly black and white plumage, with a distinctive white chin and throat. These birds are skilled gliders and spend much of their lives at sea, only returning to land to breed. They are known for their haunting calls and are often seen following ships in search of food. White-chinned Petrels are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish, squid, and crustaceans. Unfortunately, they are vulnerable to threats such as fisheries bycatch and pollution, which has led to a decline in their populations.

Habitat: Southern Ocean

White-chinned Petrel
© Auckland Museum Collections from Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0