Family Petrels, Shearwaters (Procellariidae)

Near Threatened

Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata)

figure, drawing, illustration of Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata)

Taxonomy

French: Pétrel de Tahiti German: Tahitisturmvogel Spanish: Petrel de Tahití
Taxonomy:

Procellaria rostrata

Peale

, 1848,

mountains at about 6000 feet [c. 1830 m] on Tahiti, Society Islands

.

Until recently considered conspecific with P. becki (which see). P. aterrima might be a race of present species. Two subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution
  • P. r. rostrata (Peale, 1848) – WC Pacific Ocean, breeding in Fiji, American Samoa, Society Is, Marquesas Is, Gambier Is, and possibly also on Rarotonga (Cook Is).
  • P. r. trouessarti (Brasil, 1917) – tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean, breeding in Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

    • Descriptive notes

    38–40 cm (rostrata); 315–406 g; wingspan 84 cm. Dark, large-billed gadfly petrel with white abdomen and wedge-shaped tail; elongated body, with long neck... read more

    Voice

    Nominate rostrata utters long, elaborate series of whistles terminating with a hooting... read more

    Habitat

    Marine and highly pelagic, rarely approaching land except at colonies. Breeds on volcanic islands,... read more

    Food and feeding

    All recorded observations involve surface-seizing. Diet basically unknown, although recorded taking sea skaters (Halobates splendens... read more

    Breeding

    Laying dates for rostrata dispersed throughout year, though peak egg-laying on Tahiti is apparently Mar–Jul, with overall... read more

    Movements

    Very little known. Disperses in tropical and subtropical waters of Pacific, apparently preferring... read more

    Status and conservation

    Not globally threatened. Currently considered Near Threatened. Poorly known. Overall population probably between 10,000 and 30,000 pairs, although BirdLife International... read more

    Recommended citation

    Carboneras, C., Jutglar, F. & Kirwan, G.M. (2020). Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/52521 on 3 April 2020).