Tuatara: Volume 21, Issues 1 and 2 (New Zealand Albatrosses and Petrels: an Identification Guide)
11. Giant Petrel — (Macronectes giganteus) — Plate 6
11. Giant Petrel
(Macronectes giganteus)
Plate 6
Two subspecies:
Northern Giant Petrel (M. giganteus halli)
Southern Giant Petrel (M. giganteus giganteus)
The northern subspecies (halli) cannot easily be distinguished at sea from dark phased individuals of the southern race (giganteus), and the two subspecies are therefore discussed together.
Fig. 8: Light-mantled Sooty Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) off the Antipodes Islands. Note the long pointed tail.
—Photo: Mannering and Associates
Fig. 9: A group of Giant Petrels (Macronectes giganteus) quarrelling over food.
—Photo: F. C. Kinsky
Bill pale greenish horn colour, or light buff with a conspicuous, long nasal tube. Feet greyish black.
Differs from juvenile Wandering Albatross (1) by its dark underwing and smaller size, and from Light-mantled Sooty Albatross (10) by its dark back, shorter and broader wings, wedge-shaped tail as well as its more bulky appearance.
The stiff-winged soaring flight is not as sustained as with the mollymawks and is often interspersed with slow, flapping wingbeats. Giant Petrels follow ships for offal and congregate around fishing vessels. They also readily enter harbours and assemble at outfalls from freezing works and sewer outlets.
Circumpolar in distribution. The northern race breeds locally at Chatham, Stewart, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell and Macquarie Islands, whereas the southern race breeds locally only at Macquarie Island. Widespread and abundant in New Zealand waters throughout the year.