Atlantic Petrels, Pterodroma incerta
Petrels
The Atlantic Petrel (Pterodroma incerta) is a gadfly petrel.
Distribution / Range
It is endemic to the South Atlantic Ocean, where it breeds in enormous colonies on Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island, and ranges at sea from Brazil to Namibia.
Diet / Feeding
They mostly feed on squid, which – according to some studies – comprises 87% of its diet. It will also feed on crustaceans and lanternfishes (Myctophidae).
Status
The species is restricted to just two breeding islands and its number has declined historically due to exploitation for food, and is currently thought to be threatened by introduced House Mice, which attack chicks.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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