Providence Petrel
Pterodroma solandri
棕头圆尾鹱
Introduction
A large, heavy-built gadfly petrel (Pterodroma solandri) endemic to the Tasman Sea region. The species breeds exclusively on Lord Howe Island (approximately 800 km from the Australian mainland) and Philip Island, with over 99% of the global population concentrated on two mountain peaks. Formerly abundant on Norfolk Island where an estimated 1 million individuals were harvested for food before extirpation by 1800. Current population estimated at 64,000 breeding pairs. Classified as Least Concern but considered precarious due to highly restricted breeding range limited to two mountain tops and one islet, making it vulnerable to catastrophic events.
Description
A large, heavy-bodied gadfly petrel with robust build. Characterized by graceful, agile flight capabilities and distinctive wing morphology adapted for marine foraging. The species appears cumbersome and awkward when on the ground, reflecting its specialized aerial adaptations.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeding restricted to Lord Howe Island and Philip Island in the Tasman Sea. Approximately 32,000 pairs nest primarily on Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, with additional birds utilizing lower slopes and the Northern Hills on Lord Howe Island. Formerly bred on Norfolk Island until complete extirpation around 1800 due to human harvesting.
Behavior & Ecology
Diet consists predominantly of squid (families Cranchiidae, Onychoteuthidae, Spirulidae, and Histioteuthidae) and fish (principally Myctophidae), with crustaceans (Decapoda and Isopoda) forming a lesser component. Some populations exhibit diurnal foraging behavior while others are nocturnal, possibly reflecting different foraging areas or historical predator pressures. Nests in burrows.
Conservation
IUCN Least Concern status with total population estimated at 64,000 individuals. Primary threats include predation by the endangered Lord Howe Rail, flooding of nesting burrows, rat predation, and mortality from longline fishing gear. Breeding concentration on limited mountain habitat creates significant vulnerability despite current population numbers.
Culture
Alternative common name 'Solander's petrel' honors Swedish botanist Daniel Solander, after whom the scientific name Pterodroma solandri was also designated.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Procellariiformes
- Family
- Procellariidae
- Genus
- Pterodroma
- eBird Code
- solpet1
Distribution
breeds mostly Lord Howe Island and (few) Philip Island of Norfolk group (east of Australia); ranges to eastern Australia and northwestern Pacific off Kamchatka and Japan, eastward to Bering Sea
Data Sources
CBR Notes: 2022年3月5日，台湾基隆，蔡志伟、黄重融、洪贯捷等
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.