Galápagos Petrel: Nimble Scavenger

_{This YouTube video was produced by the American Bird Conservancy.}

The swift-flying Galápagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) is known by locals as “patapegada,” or “web-footed one.” Once lumped together with the Hawaiian Petrel into a species known as the Dark-rumped Petrel, these two seabirds were split into unique species in 2002 by the American Ornithologists Union based on differences between the two species’ vocalizations, morphology, and genetics.

With long wings and a distinctive flight pattern, the Galápagos Petrel is part of a larger group of seabirds known as “gadfly” petrels. Gadfly petrels are named for their erratic twisting and turning flight, which makes them look as if they’re trying to escape from gadflies (horseflies). The Galápagos Petrel is well suited for an aerobatic life over the waves. Like many other pelagic birds, their long, narrow wings allow both buoyancy in the air and a high degree of maneuverability, taking advantage of air currents over the water while enabling these birds to nimbly pluck prey items from the water. This flight style is sometimes referred to as “active soaring.” Compared to the steady, stable flight of “passive soaring” birds like the Golden Eagle, these petrels are quite active indeed. Interestingly, both the eagle and petrel readily take advantage of carrion, although the context and requirements to do so for each bird are quite different!

Also known as: Patapegada (Spanish), Petrel de Galápagos (Spanish)

Learn more at https://abcbirds.org/birds/galapagos-petrel/