Blue Petrel

Name: Blue Petrel (Halobaena caerulea)

Length: 30 cm

Weight: 200 grams

Location: Sub Antarctic

Conservation status: Least Concern

Diet: Crustaceans, squid, fish

Appearance: White undersides and face, blue-grey topsides, black mask around eyes, black bill, white tail tip, and a dark 'M' shape on wings

How do Blue Petrels feed?

Blue Petrels dive up to 6 metres and feed by dipping while swimming. They often follow whales to catch prey driven to the surface.

Are Blue Petrels social?

They form large colonies during the breeding season.

How fast do Blue Petrels fly?

Blue Petrels typically fly at around 11 metres per second.

What are Blue Petrel birthing rituals like?

Breeding starts in mid-September. They are monogamous, nesting in burrows. One egg is laid in October, with parents taking turns incubating for 50 days. The chick fledges after about 55 days.

How long do Blue Petrels live?

Blue Petrels live for about 20 years.

How many Blue Petrels are there today?

The population is approximately 3,000,000 individuals.

Do Blue Petrels have any natural predators?

Eggs and young are preyed upon by Skuas, rats, and cats, depending on the location.

7 Bountiful Blue Petrel Facts

• They are the only species in the genus Halobaena.
• They produce stomach oil for feeding and defense, stored in the proventriculus.
• They have a gland to excrete saline, balancing their salt intake from ocean feeding.
• "Petrel" refers to Saint Peter; they appear to run on water when taking off.
• They are pelagic, coming ashore only for breeding.
• Blue Petrel flocks mix with species like Thin-billed Prions and Antarctic Prions.
• They are mainly nocturnal during the breeding season.