Black-winged Petrel - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Pterodroma nigripennis

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 13 Nov 2024

Description

A small petrel, pale grey above and white below with bold black markings under the wing and a black patch around each eye. Bill black, legs and feet pale flesh coloured, eye brown.

Distribution

Ranges throughout the Tasman Sea and Central Pacific Ocean, breeding at various island groups including Lord Howe Island. In recent years they have expanded their range.

Habitat and ecology

Marine
Nests at numerous sites on Lord Howe Island: North Head, New Gulch, Dawson's Ridge, Malabar, Ned's Beach, Jim's Point, Transit Hill, adjacent to Muttonbird Point, Red Point and Ball's Pyramid.
Nest in a burrow, up to a metre long in sandy soil but shorter in stony volcanic soil. The burrow is located on higher ground, and the entrance is usually hidden amongst bushes.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Masked Owl predation.
Impact of weeds, particularly Asparagus Fern on habitat.
Predation by introduced rodents.
Potential effects of invasion by exotic species / pathogens.
African big-headed ants; eat and kill small chicks on the nest.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 5 priority actions to help recover the Black-winged Petrel in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control and work towards eradication of the Masked Owl population.
Control and eradicate introduced rodents.
Control introduced weeds, particularly Asparagus Fern in habitat of the Black-winged Petrel.

Information sources

Hutton, I. (1991) Birds of Lord Howe Island Past and Present.
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (2007) Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan
Schodde, R. and Mason, I.J. (1999) The Directory of Australian Birds. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Ocean	Batemans Shelf	Predicted	None
Ocean	Hawkesbury Shelf	Known	None
Ocean	Manning Shelf	Known	None
Ocean	South Pacific Ocean	Known	None
Ocean	Tweed-Moreton	Known	None
Ocean	Twofold Shelf	Predicted	None
Ocean - Other State	Northern Australian Coastal Waters	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
Pacific Subtropical Islands	Lord Howe Island	Known	None

Images

Black-winged Petrel Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Nature conservation

Threatened species