Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata)

Little is known about the feeding habits of the Tahiti petrel, but it is believed to seize prey from the sea surface, foraging exclusively for dead squid (2) (6). The large beak and long legs are likely to be adaptations for ripping flesh from squid that are too large to be swallowed whole. An efficient glider, the Tahiti petrel is able to cover large areas in search of prey (6). The Tahiti petrel nests in loose colonies, where it is strictly nocturnal. Breeding is thought to take place throughout the year, though there may be certain peaks, depending on the location. A single egg is laid, within a burrow or rock crevice, and hatches after an incubation period of around 55 days, with the young fledging at about 110 to 120 days (2) (3) (4) (5). In some areas, the Tahiti petrel may face strong competition for nest cavities with the wedge-tailed shearwater, Puffinus pacificus (4).

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