Gadfly petrel

Gadfly Petrels
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Procellariiformes Family†: Procellariidae
Genus Pterodroma † See also Prion,Fulmar Petrel Shearwater

The gadfly petrels are seabirds in the bird order Procellariiformes. These medium to large petrels feed on food items picked from the ocean surface.

The short, sturdy bills of the 30 Pterodroma species in this group are adapted for soft prey taken at the surface; they have twisted intestines for digesting marine animals which have unusual biochemistries.

Their complex wing and face marking are probably for interspecific recognition.

These birds nest in colonies on islands and are pelagic when not breeding. One white egg is laid usually in a burrow or on open ground. They are nocturnal at the breeding colonies.

Some species are:

• Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis
• Fea's Petrel Pterodroma feae
• Zino's Petrel Pterodroma madeira