Pterodroma macroptera gouldi (Hutton, 1869)

Taxonomic Identification

Pterodroma macroptera gouldi (Hutton, 1869), the great-winged petrel, is a large seabird with a body length of 42–45 cm.

Body Size

Its entire body is dark brown except for a variable-sized white patch near the base of its black bill.

Plumage and Bill Features

It can be distinguished from sooty shearwater and short-tailed shearwater by its all-dark underwing, thick stubby bill, and different overall shape and behavior.

Similar Species Distinction

The similar flesh-footed shearwater has a light pinkish bill, while petrels of the genus Procellaria are larger and have less bounding flight.

Breeding Range

This species breeds in the Southern Hemisphere between 30 and 50 degrees south, with breeding colonies on Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, the Crozet Islands, the Prince Edward Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, and on the coasts of southern Australia.

Vagrant Occurrence

It occurs as a rare vagrant in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, United States.

Diet Composition

The great-winged petrel feeds mostly on squid, and to a smaller extent on fish and crustaceans.

Feeding Behavior

It typically catches prey at night by dipping and surface-seizing.

Foraging Associations

It will occasionally follow whales and associate with other related bird species to feed.

Breeding Timing

Breeding takes place in the southern winter, starting in April.

Nesting Characteristics

Nests are either built singly or in small colonies, and are placed in burrows or above ground among boulders or low vegetation.