Zino's Petrel
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The Zino's Petrel (Pterodroma madeira) is a small seabird in the gadfly petrel genus. It was previously considered to be a subspecies of Soft-plumaged Petrel P. mollis. It has also been called "Madeira Petrel", but this name nvites confusion with Madeira Storm Petrel and is best avoided.
It breeds in the north Atlantic in the mountains of the main island of Madeira. This endangered species nests in colonies in burrows. Fewer than 80 breeding pairs (2005 census) are left.
This seabird is strictly nocturnal at the breeding sites to avoid predation by gulls. Like most petrels, its walking ability is limited to a short shuffle to the burrow.
This long-winged petrel has a grey back and wings, with a dark "W" marking across the wings. The undersides of the wings are dark and the belly is white. It has a fast impetuous flight. It picks planktonic food items from the ocean surface.
This species is 32–34 cm in length with a 80–86 cm wingspan. It is very similar to the Fea's Petrel, but is smaller and has a thinner black bill.
It is named after the Zino family, who were instrumental in its conservation during the latter half of the twentieth century.
References
- BirdLife International (2005). [Pterodroma madeira]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is endangered
External links
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