56. Phoenix Petrel
(Pterodroma alba)
Plate 20

Field Characters: 84/33. A medium to large sized gadfly petrel, very similar to the Tahiti Petrel (55) in general appearance. It differs only by having a white throat patch of variable extent. This white throat patch is not easily discernible in the field except at very close range.

Bill black, feet bi-coloured.

Differs from some intermediate-phase Kermadec Petrels (27) by having a uniformly dark underwing and black primary shafts, but is difficult to distinguish from the Tahiti Petrel (55) at sea.

Flight as for Tahiti Petrel (55). Does not follow ships.

Breeds on many islands of the tropical west-central South Pacific. Has been seen at the Kermadec Islands.