Grey-backed storm petrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grey-backed storm petrel |
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Garrodia
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nereis
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The grey-backed storm petrel (Garrodia nereis) is a small seabird that lives in the ocean. It belongs to a family of birds called Oceanitidae, which are often found in the southern parts of the world. This bird is the only species in its group, known as the Garrodia genus.
You can find the grey-backed storm petrel flying over the open seas near Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Chile, the Falkland Islands, French Southern Territories, New Zealand, Saint Helena, South Africa, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. These birds spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to nest.
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What's in a Name?
Have you ever wondered how animals get their names? The name Garrodia for this bird's group was given by a scientist named William Alexander Forbes in 1881. He named it after another English zoologist (someone who studies animals) called Alfred Henry Garrod.
The second part of its scientific name, nereis, comes from Greek mythology. It refers to the Nereids, who were beautiful sea nymphs. These nymphs were spirits of the sea, often shown as young women riding on dolphins or sea horses. It's a fitting name for a bird that spends its life dancing over the waves!
Where Do Grey-backed Storm Petrels Live?
These amazing birds are found in the southern parts of the world, especially around the cold waters of Antarctica and the subantarctic islands. They prefer the open ocean, far from land, where they can find plenty of food.
Their Ocean Home
The grey-backed storm petrel's natural habitat is the vast, open sea. They are true ocean wanderers. They only come to land during their breeding season to lay eggs and raise their young.
What Do They Eat?
Grey-backed storm petrels are skilled hunters of the sea. They mostly eat small crustaceans, which are tiny sea creatures like shrimp. They also feed on small fish and squid. These birds often fly close to the water, picking up their food from the surface.
How Do They Fly?
Storm petrels are known for their unique way of flying. They often flutter and glide just above the waves, sometimes even appearing to "walk" on the water as they pick up food. Their flight is light and bouncy, making them look like they are dancing over the ocean.
Images for kids
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A grey-backed storm petrel flying over the ocean.
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A close-up view of a grey-backed storm petrel.
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Map showing where the grey-backed storm petrel lives.
