Why are they called storm petrels?

Why are they called the petrels?

“Petrel” is a diminutive of the name Peter, and refers to Saint-Peter of the bible who was said to walk on water. Wilson’s referes to 19th century ornithologist Alexander Wilson, featured in a recent post about 10 birds and how they go their names. The Petrels have along history with sailors and often follow ships.

How did the Petrel get its name?

The word petrel (first recorded in that spelling 1703) comes from earlier ( ca. 1670) pitteral; the English explorer William Dampier wrote the bird was so called from its way of flying with its feet just skimming the surface of the water, recalling Saint Peter ‘s walk on the sea of Galilee (Matthew xiv.28); if so,…

Why are southern giant petrels called stinkpots?

Southern Giant Petrel – These birds garnered a particularly foul set of nicknames, including “stinkpot” and “stinker.” Those names stem undoubtedly from their foul-smelling defensive mechanism. When threatened, Southern Giants, among other species, spit stomach juices at the assailant.

Is there a petrel at the South Pole?

It is one of only three birds that has been seen at the Geographic South Pole, along with the Antarctic petrel and the south polar skua, which have the most southerly breeding sites of any bird, inland in Antarctica. The snow petrel was described in 1777 by the German naturalist Georg Forster in his book A Voyage Round the World.

How can you tell the difference between giant petrels?

Young birds of both species are all dark and very hard to distinguish unless bill tip colour can be seen. Some relatively young northern giant petrels can appear to be paler on the head, suggesting southern giant, thus this species is harder to confirm.

What is the southern giant petrel?

The Southern Giant Petrel ( Macronectes giganteus ), also known as the Antarctic Giant Petrel, Giant Fulmar, Stinker, and Stinkpot, is a large seabird of the southern oceans. Its distribution overlaps broadly with the similar Northern Giant Petrel, though it overall is centered slightly further south.

Why are petrels called stinkpots?

On top of that, southern giant petrels are known to vomit their putrid stomach oils when faced by threats or nuisances, such as fishing boats. Annoyed sailors, who sometimes have their fish stolen, have nicknamed the birds “stinkpots.”

What is the southernmost breeding bird?

Earth´s southernmost breeding bird, Antarctic petrels can also be seen as far north as New Zealand and Australia during winter months. Petrels in general appear to run over the water before flight, which is how they got their name, alluding to the water-walking Saint Peter. 7. Snow petrel

How can you tell the difference between gadfly petrels?

Most gadfly petrels are dark above and light beneath, with long wings and short, wedge-shaped tails. Because they are quite similar in appearance, the species are difficult to distinguish. Fiji petrel ( Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi) off the coast of Gui Island, Fiji.

What is another name for a giant petrel?

Certain heavy-bodied petrels are known as fulmars, and one, Macronectes giganteus, is called both giant fulmar and giant petrel (see fulmar). Gadfly petrels nest in loose colonies on islands in the tropical and subtropical regions of the major oceans.

What do petrels look like?

The birds classically have short tails shaped like wedges, and large wingspans, with tubular noses, assuming that you can get close enough to a petrel to examine his or her nose. Petrels have bodies which are designed for tireless flying, allowing them to seek out fish and other seafood for their meals.

What is the size of a southern giant petrel?

Southern giant petrels are large birds, similar in size to the black–browed albatross, with a wingspan of 200 cm (6ft 6ins); however they appear more stiff-winged in flight. Adults have mainly white heads and whitish necks, which contrast with grey-brown body and wings.

Where do giant petrels live?

Giant petrels have strong legs and can move around on land effectively. When in flight this species has a somewhat hunchbacked appearance. Southern giant petrels range from Antarctica to the subtropics of Chile, Africa, and Australia. They breed on numerous islands throughout the southern oceans.

What do gadfly petrels eat?

During the nonbreeding season, these birds roam the open ocean, feeding on squid and small fish. Most gadfly petrels are dark above and light beneath, with long wings and short, wedge-shaped tails. Because they are quite similar in appearance, the species are difficult to distinguish.

What is another name for the gadfly petrel?

Petrel. Some of the better known gadfly petrels are the endangered Bermuda petrel, or cahow ( Pterodroma cahow, sometimes considered a race of P. hasitata ); the dark-rumped petrel, also called the Hawaiian petrel ( P. phaeopygia ), another endangered species, now concentrated almost entirely on the island of Maui; the phoenix petrel ( P.

How many giant petrels are in the world?

The Northern Giant Petrel population is estimated to be between 17,000 to 21,000. The Southern population is estimated at 97,000.

What is The wingspan of a southern giant petrel?

The southern giant petrel measures 86 to 99 cm (34–39 in) with a wingspan of 185 to 205 cm (6 ft 1 in–6 ft 9 in). Both this and the northern giant petrel vary considerably in size, with southern colonies averaging larger than northern colonies, in line with Bergmann’s rule.

What does a giant petrel look like?

There are two forms of giant petrels, a more common darker grey brown form with a head and neck that becomes paler with age, and a rarer much lighter form, mainly white and flecked with black. They have a large and strong bill capable of ripping open carcasses to feed.

What does a snow petrel look like?

Snow petrels are pure white birds with jet black beaks and eyes. They are the size of a pigeon and arguably the most beautiful of all the Antarctic birds. Snow Petrel facts – Basics. Weight: 240 to 460g, it is a characteristic of snow petrels that there can be a large range of sizes amongst individuals.

How much does a giant petrel weigh?

Giant Petrels – Macronectes giganteus. giant Petrel facts – Basics. Weight: 5 kg. Length: 87 cm, wingspan: 180 – 205 cm. Breeding Season: Nests are made in loose colonies on open ground, Falklands population nests in huge colonies.

Where do giant petrels breed?

Many breeding locations are shared between the Northern and Southern Giant Petrels on islands throughout the southern oceans, although the Northern members tend to breed starting about 6 weeks earlier than their Southern counterparts, the latter beginning their season in October.