Kingdom Animalia Order Procellariiformes Genus Pterodroma Higher classification Gadfly petrel | Phylum Chordata Family Procellariidae Scientific name Pterodroma occulta Rank Species | |
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Similar Bird, Gadfly petrel, Procellariidae, Collared petrel, White‑necked petrel | ||
The Vanuatu petrel or Falla's petrel, Pterodroma occulta is a species of gadfly petrel. This little-known seabird was first scientifically described in 2001 based on six specimens taken in 1927 off Merelava, Vanuatu, and a single bird found ashore in 1983 in New South Wales, Australia. The first confirmed breeding locality was only discovered in 2009 on the island of Vanua Lava, Vanuatu, but based on reports by locals it is supposed to also breed on Merelava. The IUCN has not recognized the Vanuatu petrel as a species, but maintain that it as a subspecies of the very similar white-necked petrel, P. cervicalis, with the "combined" species considered vulnerable.
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The alternate name commemorates Robert Falla, a New Zealand ornithologist.
Description
This species resembles the white-necked petrel, but is slightly smaller at 40 centimetres (16 in) in length and 300–350 grams (11–12 oz) in weight. It has a black cap, white rear neck, dark grey back, wings and tail, and a darker rump. The underparts are white with dark bases to the primary feathers. Like the white-necked petrel, the upperparts of worn birds become darker.
It is very difficult to differentiate the Vanuatu petrel from the white-necked petrel at sea.
Behaviour
This is a solitary pelagic species of the open seas of the south-west Pacific. It has an effortless graceful flight with few wing beats, and does not follow ships. It feeds on the wing, picking fish and squid from near the surface.