13. Westland Black Petrel
(Procellaria westlandica)
Plate 7

Field Characters: 136/56 (Fig. 10). A large, black, subtropical petrel, very similar in appearance to the preceding species at sea. Differs from the White-chinned Petrel (12), however, in having a black tip to the ivory coloured bill and no white chin patch. Both these distinguishing characters are only seen at close range.

Flight behaviour similar to White-chinned Petrel, but is unlikely to be seen south of the Subtropical Convergence. Alights near stationary fishing vessels to feed on scraps during the night. Does not follow ships.

Winter breeder in Westland, South Island. Ranges westwards into the Tasman Sea and frequently recorded in Cook Strait and off the Canterbury coast.