Derivation
Pro-cell-är'-i-a - L., procella, storm; -arius, pertaining to, hence 'associated with storms': west-lan-di-ca - N.L., Westland, a region of the South Island, New Zealand
Rare visitor, mostly in summer to south-eastern Australia waters.
Habitat
Marine, pelagic. In breeding season found in mixed waters of the New Zealand continental shelf north of the sub-tropical convergence. Disperse eastwards into pelagic waters of the central Pacific after the breeding season.
Population
Estimated population is 20,000 (2010) and stable.
Status EN
Predation of eggs, chicks and adults by introduced mammals and the native Weka (Gallirallus australis), habitat destruction through mining and conversion to agriculture, longline fishing and bright lights from buildings leading to collisions, are the main threats.
Voice
Silent at sea. The most frequently call is a quack. A rapid series of pulse-like notes uttered only by males. A low-pitched and low-amplitude moan uttered from within burrows by both sexes. Strident squawks and high-pitched scrams uttered in alarm. Occasional calls uttered in flight and over colonies.
Westland Petrel (Procellaria westlandica) [XC236300]
by Johannes Fischer from , New Zealand (call, song)
Westland Petrel (Procellaria westlandica) [XC671247]
by id from Punakaiki, Buller District, West Coast, New Zealand (call, song)
Breeding Season (Guide)
Does not breed in Australia. Breeds only on South Island, New Zealand (late May - early January).
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Nest
A large chamber at the end of a burrow. In colonies.
Eggs (Guide)
1; not glossy, white; broad-oval; 81 x 55 mm. Incubation: about 51 - 68 days; by both sexes.
Young
Altricial, nidicolous. Fledge in about 120 - 140 days.
Subspecies
Has been considered conspecific with Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) and White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis), but present species breeds in winter.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) which has a similar dark plumage but is smaller, and dark morphs of White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) which has a white patch on the chin and throat.
References
See References.
The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Pizzey, G., and Knight, E., 1997, Angus & Robertson, Sydney ISBN 0 207 19691 5
Field Guide to Australian Birds Morecombe, M., 2000, Steve Parish Publishing Pty Ltd. ISBN 1 876282 10 X
Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Simpson, K., and Day, N., 1999, 6th Edition, Viking ISBN 0 670 87918 5
Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds 1988, 2nd Edition, Reader's Digest ISBN 0 949819 99 9
What Bird is That? 1984, Revised Edition, Angus & Robertson, Sydney ISBN 0 207 14846 5
Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds 1990 - , Oxford University Press, Melbourne ISBN 0 19 553244 9
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BirdLife International Species Factsheet