|
|
|
Coral Sea Storm-Petrel
(Fregetta maoriana)
Size: 17-19 cm; wing span ca. 38 cm
Weight: 28-38 g
|
|
 |
Similar species |
|
 |
Physical description |
|
Click here for a physical description
Coral Sea Storm-Petrels are small seabirds.
Their plumage is
all dark-grey, except for the white rump, prominent black-and-white
streaking on the flanks and the sides under the wings, and a lighter
grey crescent on the greater upperwing coverts.
They have white primary underwing coverts.
The tail is squarish and often formed into a "V"-shape. The legs are
long and the toes protrude conspicuously beyond the end of the tail
in flight.
The bill, which has a small knob, and the legs and feet are
dark-grey.
|
 |
Taxonomy, classification |
|
See New
Zealand Storm-Petrel at Wikipedia .
Click here for classification information
The Coral Sea Storm-Petrel has previously been treated as an
"undescribed form" (or "Coral Sea form" or "New Caledonian form")
of the New Zealand Storm-Petrel, Fregetta maoriana.
However, based on morphological and DNA evidence, they have now
been given full species status.
|
 |
Range, habitat, finding this species |
|
Click here for information on habitat
and range
The overall distribution of this species can be assessed, and
specific locations where birds have been spotted can be found,
based on individual sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to
ebird.org
.
The global distribution of the Coral Sea Storm-Petrel
is available HERE
.
The range of the Coral Sea Storm-Petrel is limited to the
Coral Sea and New Caledonia.
Coral Sea Storm-Petrels have been found around
Australia since 2010. Apart from the Coral Sea, including
the Great Barrier Reef islands, they are found along the
continental shelf of the East coast, off northern
NSW and southern QLD.
When not breeding, Coral Sea Storm-Petrels will mostly stay
on the high seas.
|
 |
Sightings |
|
Click here for sighting information
M. Eaton reports finding Coral Sea Storm-Petrels
22 NM off Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, in April 2018.
All sighting and photographic information presented on this
page has kindly been contributed by M. Eaton.
|
 |
Photos |
|
 |
ADULT |
|
Lateral view of a Coral Sea Storm-Petrel in flight
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[22 NM off Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, April 2018]
Near-dorsal view of a Coral Sea Storm-Petrel in flight; at this angle
one can see clearly the streaking on the side
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[22 NM off Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, April 2018]
Near-dorsal view of a Coral Sea Storm-Petrel feeding at the surface
of the water
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[22 NM off Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, April 2018]
Near-dorsal view of a Coral Sea Storm-Petrel in flight, with a view
of its underwing (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[22 NM off Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, April 2018]
Near-dorsal view of a Coral Sea Storm-Petrel feeding at the surface
of the water, with a view of its underwing
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[22 NM off Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, April 2018]
These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our
contributors.
The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species
please refer to a field guide.