The white-faced storm petrel breeds in large numbers on islands around New Zealand. It is about the size of a bellbird, and weighs 45 grams. When feeding, storm petrels fly close to the water, pattering on the surface with their large webbed feet. This may be the origin of the name ‘petrel’ as the birds appear to be walking on the water like St Peter – although none of the other petrel families share this behaviour.
Using this item
Department of Conservation
Reference:
10042377
Photograph by Chris Smuts-Kennedy
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