Storm Petrels of The Petrel Station
Tutukaka, New Zealand
Storm Petrels are the smallest seabirds encountered on The Petrel Station seabird tours, but they add hugely to the excitement of offshore birding — especially when the scarce New Zealand Storm Petrel is involved.
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STORM PETREL SPECIES SEEN
It is always a delight watching tiny storm petrels dance, bounce, and glide across the ocean surface. Despite their size, they add a huge amount of excitement to a day offshore and are a big part of what makes northern New Zealand pelagic birdwatching so special.
The standout specialty species here is, of course, the iconic New Zealand Storm Petrel – a highly sought-after endemic that for some visitors is reason enough to come on The Petrel Station seabird tours, as it is unlikely to be encountered elsewhere in New Zealand, or anywhere else in the world!
Below are the Storm Petrel species recorded on The Petrel Station seabird tours, along with when they are most likely to be seen — although, as with all pelagic birding, surprises can always occur outside the usual pattern.
New Zealand Storm Petrel
SPECIALTY SEABIRD of The Petrel Station
ENDEMIC SPECIES
When seen: September to May (in good numbers), Jun to July (in small numbers)
Occurrence: Common local breeder
Scientific name: Fregetta maoriana
The most famous specialty pelagic seabird on The Petrel Station seabird tours has to be the tiny iconic New Zealand Storm Petrel.
This scarce, endemic seabird was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered nearby in the greater Hauraki Gulf pelagic waters in 2003, and it was not until 2013 that its only known breeding site was found on Little Barrier Island. That island is now pest-free, and the New Zealand Storm Petrel population has started to recover, with numbers thought to be in the low thousands.
The Petrel Station seabird tours are very privileged to regularly see the greatest number of these delightful seabirds out of any location in New Zealand (or the world!) and they are a real highlight for many on our birding tours. They’re regularly seen in big numbers (20 to 40 individuals) from Oct to May, with the peak in Jan/Feb when numbers have reached over 100 birds! Outside those months they are usually present in smaller numbers, with August the only month we have not yet recorded them.
Watching New Zealand Storm Petrels effortlessly bounce, patter, and flit across the ocean surface right behind the boat is an absolute treat for any birdwatcher — especially when you remember that, not that long ago, they were not even known to still exist!
White-faced Storm Petrel
When seen: August to March (occasionally seen at other times)
Occurrence: Common local breeder
Scientific name: Pelagodroma marina
White-faced Storm Petrels are another delightful seabird we experience on our tours, and we often get good numbers of them through spring and summer. They breed locally and are a regular part of the northern pelagic seabirds scene.
They feed in classic storm petrel style, but more relaxed than the others, bouncing along off the surface with both feet, hovering over the water, and picking tiny bits of food off the surface.
At times they can be swirling around the boat alongside the New Zealand Storm Petrels, with dozens of storm petrels gathering together — one of the real joys of being offshore on The Petrel Station seabird tours.
Wilson’s Storm Petrel
When seen: March to May, and October to December.
Occurrence: Regular seasonal migration visitor
Scientific name: Oceanites oceanicus
Wilson’s Storm Petrels are one of the most abundant seabirds in the world, but they’re not that commonly seen in New Zealand waters, which makes them a great bird to encounter offshore from Tutukaka.
They breed in Antarctica, and we regularly see them on spring and autumn tours as they move north or south on migration. It is always a fun challenge picking them out among the more abundant New Zealand Storm Petrels when both species are feeding and moving around the boat together.
Like other storm petrels, they feed by bounding, gliding and hovering across the surface while picking tiny food items from the water.
Grey-backed Storm Petrel
When seen: July to August
Occurrence: Infrequent visitor
Scientific name: Garrodia nereis
These delightful tiny seabirds are an absolute treat when they turn up. Grey-backed Storm Petrels breed in the southern oceans and are only occasionally seen in our area during the cooler winter months, when they can sometimes move north..
They are the smallest storm petrel recorded in New Zealand, weighing only around 35 grams, yet they are every bit as at home in ocean conditions as much larger seabirds. Their tiny size only adds to the charm when they appear.
Black-bellied Storm Petrel
When seen: April or October
Occurrence: Infrequent seasonal migration visitor
Scientific name: Fregetta tropica
Another breeder of the Southern Ocean, Black-bellied Storm Petrels are very occasional visitors to our area, most likely encountered when leaving their breeding grounds.
They can be especially challenging because they look very similar to New Zealand Storm Petrels, and picking one out among them always takes a sharp eye. Black-bellied Storm Petrels are generally a bit larger and bulkier, and most show a dark stripe running down the centre of the belly, whereas New Zealand Storm Petrels have a streaked belly pattern.
This is just one group of the remarkable seabird diversity we’ve recorded on The Petrel Station seabird tours offshore from Tutukaka. Check out the other seabird groups we’ve recorded including Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Skuas and Other Seabird Species.
You can also visit our Seasons page for an overview of when different species are most likely to be encountered, and explore our past Tour Reports for a fascinating insight into what can be seen offshore on a seabird tour.
We also recommend the very informative www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz
Want to experience these amazing seabirds for yourself? Join The Petrel Station seabird tours for an unforgettable day offshore.