Procellariidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Procellariidae |
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| Cape petrel (Daption capense) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genera | |
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Macronectes |
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| Diversity | |
| 16 genera and about 70 species |
The family Procellariidae is a group of seabirds that comprises the fulmarine petrels, the gadfly petrels, the prions, and the shearwaters. This family is part of the bird order Procellariiformes (or tubenoses), which also includes the albatrosses, the storm petrels, and the diving petrels.
The procellariids are the most numerous family of tubenoses, and the most diverse. They range in size from the giant petrels, which are almost as large as the albatrosses, to the prions, which are as small as the larger storm petrels. They feed on fish, squid and crustacea, with many also taking fisheries discards and carrion. All species are accomplished long-distance foragers, and many undertake long trans-equatorial migrations. They are colonial breeders, exhibiting long-term mate fidelity and site philopatry. In all species, each pair lays a single egg per breeding season. Their incubation times and chick-rearing periods are exceptionally long compared to other birds.
Many procellariids have breeding populations of over several million pairs; others number fewer than 200 birds. Humans have traditionally exploited several species of fulmar and shearwater (known as muttonbirds) for food, fuel, and bait, a practice that continues in a controlled fashion today. Several species are threatened by introduced species attacking adults and chicks in breeding colonies and by long-line fisheries.
Images for kids
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The flight of giant petrels is aided by a shoulder-lock that holds their wing out without effort.
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To take off this Christmas shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis) must face into a strong wind. In calm conditions it must run in order to obtain a high airspeed.
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Million-strong flocks of shearwaters migrate from New Zealand to Alaska every year.
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The broad-billed prion (Pachyptila vittata) filters zooplankton from the water with its wide bill.
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The colonies of the great shearwater (Ardenna gravis) are among the densest of any procellariid, with 1 pair per m2.
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Christmas shearwaters (Puffinus nativitatis) are one of the surface-breeding procellariids. Here a pair engages in some mutual preening.
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A northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) pair perform a cackling duet.
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The chick of a Bonin petrel (Pterodroma hypoleuca) takes almost three months to fledge. This chick has most of its adult plumage but still retains a considerable amount of down.
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Sooty shearwaters (Ardenna grisea) are still harvested in New Zealand using traditional techniques
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Northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) flocking at a long-lining vessel in the north Pacific
See also
In Spanish: Procellariidae para niños
