#daption capense

[bunch-of-birds]

Cape Petrel (Daption capense)

© Marbry Hopkins

[tuxedo-birds]

Cape Petrel (Daption capense)

© Marbry Hopkins

[animalids]

Cape petrel (Daption capense)

Photo by Samuel Blanc

[todropscience]

This beautifully marked bird is a Pintado Petrel also known as a Cape Petrel or Cape Pigeon (Daption capense). This species is found throughout the Southern Ocean and breeds on sub-Antarctic islands. 

This is a highly monogamous species with most breeding pairs remaining together year after year.

Photo: Liam Quinn

[astronomy-to-zoology]

Cape Petrel (Daption capense)

Also known as the Pintado Petrel or (incorrectly) as the Cape Fulmar, the cape petrel is a species of fulmarine petrel that boasts an extensive range that covers most of the Antarctic continent and the subtropics. Like other fulmarine petrels D. capense spends most of its life foraging on the open ocean. They are opportunistic feeders and will feed on prey ranging from krill, fish, squid and carrion. Which are usually scavenged from the surface or occasionally by diving.

At the beginning of the Austral summer, D capense will return to its breeding colony and pairs will only lay one egg. Males and females will share caring responsibilities and will protect their young from predators by spitting stomach oil at them.

Classification

Animalia-Chordata-Aves-Procellariiformes-Procellariidae-Daption-D. capense

Images: Tobias Hayashi and Natalie Tapson

[birdsofaotearoa]