Grey-faced Petrel

The grey-faced petrel (Pterodroma gouldi) is a species of petrel endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. In New Zealand it is also known by its Māori name ōi and (along with other species such as the sooty shearwater) as a muttonbird. == Taxonomy == This species was formerly treated as a subspecies of the great-winged petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) but has been recognized as a separate species since 2014. Research published in 2016 supports the conclusion that P. gouldi should be treated as a separate species. == Description == Grey-faced petrels are large birds, with a body length of 42–45 cm and weighing on average 550 grams (19 oz). They have a dark black-brown colouration, similar to that of the black-footed albatross, with a black bill and pale grey to buff feathers at the base of the bill and throat. The wings are long and enable a buoyant style of flight. Grey-faced petrels are easily confused with the great-winged petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) where their ranges overlap in the Tasman Sea, as these species are morphologically very similar. == Distribution == The grey-faced petrel breeds only in the north of the North Island, New Zealand, from Three Kings Islands in…