Garrodia nereis (Gould, 1841)

Common Name and Classification

Garrodia nereis, commonly called the grey-backed storm petrel, is a small seabird.

Size Measurements

Individuals weigh 21-44 g and have a wingspan of 39-40 cm.

Plumage and Body Features

Like other members of its family, it is mostly dark grey overall with a black head, though descriptions note it also has a pale back, black legs, a square tail, and a white belly.

Species Identification Trait

It can be told apart from other storm-petrels that share its range by its light grey rump, while other related species in the area have white rumps.

General Distribution

This species lives across the subantarctic region in three separate disjunct populations: one off the coast of South America, one off South Africa, and one off Australia.

Breeding Locations

It breeds in the Falkland Islands, Chatham Islands, Gough Island, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Island, the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, and Fiordland on the New Zealand mainland.

Fossil Record

The first known fossil record of Garrodia nereis was discovered at Te Waka #1, a rock shelter located 900 m above sea level in inland Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand.