White-chinned Petrel
Procellaria aequinoctialis
The White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) is a uncommon petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrel found in 15 countries, weighing about 1.2 kg. The white-chinned petrel also known as the Cape hen and shoemaker, is a large petrel in the family Procellariidae.
About the White-chinned Petrel
The white-chinned petrel also known as the Cape hen and shoemaker, is a large petrel in the family Procellariidae. It ranges around the Southern Ocean as far north as southern Australia, Peru and Namibia, and breeds colonially on scattered islands. The white-chinned petrel was formerly considered to be conspecific with the spectacled petrel.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-chinned petrel measures 51–58 cm (20–23 in) in length and has a wingspan of 134–147 cm (53–58 in). Males are heavier and average 1,390 g (49 oz) whereas females weigh around 1,280 g (45 oz). Not only is it the largest Procellaria petrel but is also the largest species in its family outside of the giant petrels. This large petrel is sooty-black and has some white on its throat and chin, more so in the Indian Ocean sector than the Atlantic. Its primaries can have a silvery appearance underneath. Its bill may be horn or yellow with some black between the nostrils.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Ecuador, French Polynesia, Réunion.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, July, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-chinned Petrel?
- The white-chinned petrel measures 51–58 cm (20–23 in) in length and has a wingspan of 134–147 cm (53–58 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-chinned Petrel?
- The White-chinned Petrel is a large sized bird weighing about 1.2 kg.
- Where can you see a White-chinned Petrel?
- The White-chinned Petrel occurs in 15 countries, including South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Australia.
- What birds look similar to a White-chinned Petrel?
- The White-chinned Petrel is most easily confused with the Westland Petrel, the Black Petrel and the Grey Petrel.
- Is the White-chinned Petrel endangered?
- The White-chinned Petrel is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-chinned Petrel for real
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