Storm Petrels
(Hydrobatidae)
(Length 18-20cm)

The smallest of all petrels, with disproportionately long legs and slender bills. The nostril tubes are well pronounced and in many species are curved upwards (see Fig. 17). All storm petrels are easily distinguishable at sea by their very small size and fluttering zig-zag flight low above the water. Swinging from side to side, they page 50 alternately expose their dorsal and ventral surfaces to the observer, while, when feeding, they hover and skip along with dangling feet as if walking on, or pushing themselves off, the surface of the sea. Five species of storm petrels occur in the area; one breeding in the antarctic, two in the subantarctic, one at the Kermadecs and one is widely distributed throughout the subtropical and subantarctic zones. Four species appear black and white at sea, whereas the most common one, the White-faced Storm Petrel (53), is greyish brown and white.