Tahiti Petrel
Pseudobulweria rostrata
The Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata) is a rare petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrel found in 27 countries, weighing about 409 g. The Tahiti petrel is a medium-sized, dark brown and white seabird found across the Pacific Ocean.
About the Tahiti Petrel
The Tahiti petrel is a medium-sized, dark brown and white seabird found across the Pacific Ocean. The species comprises two subspecies: P. r. rostrata which breeds in the west-central Pacific Ocean, and P. r. trouessarti which breeds in the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean. The Tahiti petrel belongs to the Procellariidae family and is the most studied member of the Pseudobulweria genus which comprises three critically endangered species. Similarly, the Tahiti petrel is considered near threatened by the 2018 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Threats include introduced rats, feral cats, pigs, dogs, nickel mining, and light pollution.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Adult Tahiti petrels are between 315 and 506 g and have wingspans averaging 104.5 cm long whereas their overall length is between 38-42 cm. The species is identifiable by its wedge-shaped tail, long wings and neck, small head, black, stout, and bulbous bill, dark brown eyes, and dark elongated body with white abdomen. In addition, adults are mostly dark brown with darker hoods and paler rumps. Their underwings have a faint white line along the middle with slightly paler flight feathers. Juveniles are similar to adults in plumage and females usually have smaller measurements. Voice: When in flight or on its breeding ground, P. r. rostrata uses a long series of whistles in an elaborate call ending with a hooting sound. Specifically in American Samoa, P. r. rostrata vocalization was described as a ground call composed of 7 parts, uttering a condensed version when in flight. The introductory "ti-ti" call is a series of staccato notes observed in 20 other petrel species.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Colombia, South Africa, New Zealand, Micronesia, Oman, Niue.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Tahiti Petrel?
- Adult Tahiti petrels are between 315 and 506 g and have wingspans averaging 104.5 cm long whereas their overall length is between 38-42 cm. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Tahiti Petrel?
- The Tahiti Petrel is a large sized bird weighing about 409 g.
- Where can you see a Tahiti Petrel?
- The Tahiti Petrel occurs in 27 countries, including Australia, French Polynesia, Costa Rica, New Caledonia and Fiji.
- What birds look similar to a Tahiti Petrel?
- The Tahiti Petrel is most easily confused with the Mascarene Petrel, the Beck's Petrel and the Fiji Petrel.
- Is the Tahiti Petrel endangered?
- The Tahiti Petrel is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Tahiti Petrel for real
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