Story: Seabirds – overview
The smallest petrels are the storm petrels, with most species measuring about 20 centimetres and weighing 35–50 grams. Several million white-faced storm petrels breed on islands around New Zealand, nesting in burrows up to 1 metre long. They feed on small animal plankton on the surface of the sea, pattering the water with their large webbed feet and fluttering their wings, so they can feed without having to alight. Despite their small size, storm petrels can fly long distances.
About this item
Department of Conservation
Reference: 10054736
Photograph by Don Merton
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.