Kerguelen petrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kerguelen petrel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aphrodroma
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| Species: |
brevirostris
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| Synonyms | |
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Pterodroma brevirostris |
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The Kerguelen petrel (Aphrodroma brevirostris) is a small, slate-grey seabird. It grows to about 36 centimeters (14 inches) long. This bird is part of the Procellariidae family, which includes many types of petrels and shearwaters.
Contents
About the Kerguelen Petrel
Scientists have found the Kerguelen petrel to be quite unique. For a long time, it was grouped with other birds called "gadfly petrels." However, in 1942, scientists decided it was special enough to have its own group, or genus, called Aphrodroma. Even today, experts are still discussing its exact place among other seabirds. This shows how interesting and sometimes puzzling nature can be!
Where Do Kerguelen Petrels Live?
Kerguelen petrels prefer to live and breed on very remote islands. They gather in large groups called colonies. You can find these colonies on Gough Island in the Atlantic Ocean. They also live on islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Marion Island, Prince Edward Island, the Crozet Islands, and Kerguelen Island. These islands offer safe places for them to raise their young.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Kerguelen petrels are quite shy when they are at their breeding colonies. They usually visit their nests only at night. This helps them stay safe from predators. They build their nests in burrows, which are tunnels dug into wet soil. These burrows are often built facing away from the strong winds.
Each breeding season, a female Kerguelen petrel lays just one egg. This egg is quite round, which is a bit unusual for birds in its family. Both parent birds take turns sitting on the egg to keep it warm. This incubation period lasts for about 49 days. Once the chick hatches, it stays in the burrow. After about 60 days, the young bird is ready to leave the nest and fly on its own. This is called fledging.
See also
In Spanish: Pardela de las Kerguelen para niños
