Indicative distribution
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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Macronectes halli
Gazetted date:
14 Nov 2003
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
A large seabird up to 95cm in length with a wingspan of 150-210cm. The species is sexually dimorphic, with males markedly larger and heavier-billed than females. A single colour morph exists, comprising white about the bill and face, a dark grey-brown body, and mottling at the borders.
Distribution
The Northern Giant-Petrel has a circumpolar pelagic distribution, usually between 40-64ºS in open oceans. Their range extends into subtropical waters (to 28ºS) in winter and early spring, and they are a common visitor in NSW waters, predominantly along the south-east coast during winter and autumn.
Habitat and ecology
- Breeding in Australian territory is limited to Macquarie Island and occurs during spring and summer.
- Adults usually remain near the breeding colonies throughout the year (though some do travel widely) while immature birds make long and poorly known circumpolar and trans-oceanic movements. Hence most birds recorded in NSW coastal waters are immature birds.
- Northern Giant-Petrels seldom breed in colonies but rather as dispersed pairs, often amidst tussocks in dense vegetation and areas of broken terrain.
- A single chick is raised and although breeding occurs annually, approximately 30% of the potential breeding population do not nest.
- There are marked differences in diet between the sexes. Females obtain most of their prey live from the sea, while males also scavenge from the carcases of penguins and seals on land.
- At sea, both sexes are aggressive opportunists, feeding on fish, cephalopods, birds and crustaceans, including euphausiids or krill, and regularly scavenge on fishing vessels.
- During the vulnerable early chick phase adult birds utilise land-based carrion resources (e.g. seals) extensively.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Mortality as a result of long-line fishing.
- Predation by feral cats and black rats on breeding islands.
- Habitat degradation on breeding islands from introduced rabbits.
- Loss of the southern cuttlefish populations.
- Oil spills.
- Ingestion of plastics and hooks and their regurgitation to chicks, entanglement in marine debris and accumulation of chemical contaminants.
- Mortality as a result of trawling operations, although this occurs less frequently now.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Avoid discarding any debris at sea, particularly plastic.
- Implement predator control programs.
- Limit further construction on breeding islands.
- Support the replacement of longline fishing by other techniques.
- Encourage the use of fishing techniques that reduce the catch of seabirds, including the setting of lines for fishing operations at night and weighting of lines to ensure that they sink quickly.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (2003) Northern giant-petrel - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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