Blue Petrel

Identification

The blue petrel is a small seabird measuring 26–32 cm in length with a wingspan of 62–71 cm and weighing approximately 200 g. Its most distinctive features are its predominantly blue-grey plumage, prominent black cap, and white cheeks. A characteristic dark "M" marking extends across the upperwing from wingtip to wingtip. The underparts are white except for dark patches on the sides of the neck, and the square tail is tipped with white. It has a slender black bill. As the only member of its genus Halobaena, it is closely allied to the prions and shares the characteristic adaptations of the Procellariiformes order, including tubular nasal passages, a specialized stomach oil for energy and defence, and a salt gland for desalinating ingested seawater.

Range & Habitat

The blue petrel is distributed across the Southern Ocean, ranging as far north as South Africa, Australia, and portions of South America. The species breeds in a narrow latitudinal band between 47° and 56° South, exclusively on subantarctic islands close to the Antarctic Convergence zone. Known breeding sites include the Diego Ramírez Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island, South Georgia, and Prince Edward Island. A notable breeding colony was discovered in 2014 on Gough Island in the central South Atlantic, over 700 km north of the species' previously known range, suggesting potential range flexibility.

Behaviour & Diet

Blue petrels are highly colonial birds with large breeding colonies. They feed predominantly on krill, supplemented by other crustaceans, small fish, squid, and occasionally insects, diving to depths of up to 6.2 metres. During the breeding season, they nest in burrows and lay a single egg per breeding attempt. Both parents share incubation duties for approximately 50 days, and chicks fledge after a further 55 days. Skuas present the principal threat to eggs and chicks during the breeding season.

Best Time & Places to See It

Blue petrels are best encountered during pelagic seabird trips in the Southern Ocean, particularly near their breeding islands during the austral spring and summer breeding season. The subantarctic islands hosting breeding colonies—especially South Georgia, the Crozet Islands, and Kerguelen Islands—offer reliable viewing opportunities for travellers visiting these remote regions. At sea, they may be observed during passage north and south of their breeding range.

Photography Tips

The blue petrel's compact size and petite proportions require patience and appropriate equipment for successful photography. The distinctive dark "M" across the upperwing is best captured in flight, requiring fast shutter speeds to freeze wing movement. The contrast between the blue-grey upperparts, white underparts, and black cap provides good tonal variation. Early morning light on breeding colonies may offer opportunities for burrow entrance shots, though the species' nocturnal habits at nesting sites present challenges. Pelagic photography requires stabilization techniques for capturing fast-moving birds at distance.