Description
An all-dark petrel with slim body, large wingspan proportionally to body, pointed wings and long tail. Its head is small with small bill that is distinctive for this species. There is no clear sexual dimorphism, despite bill and tarsus being longer in males. Bulwer’s petrel flight is usually not high from seawater, especially on strong winds and it flies alone or in pairs.
Distribution
This seabird is a species of tropical and subtropical waters, ranging from 10º S to 40º N, in Northeast Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. In the Atlantic it breeds on the Canary Islands, all Madeira archipelago islands and on some islets of Cape Verde and Azores.
Habitat
Bulwer’s petrel is an oceanic bird that only comes to land at night and during the breeding season. In land it prefers rocky islands or islets with little or none disturbance. They feed on small fish on the surface.
Breeding
Nests are usually natural holes in the ground or cliffs, not excavated. The breeders of Bulwer's Petrels start to be seen inland Madeira around April and they lay the egg between late May and middle June with fledging occurring in September.
Madeira name: Alma negra Madeira popular name (called by fishermen): Tinhosa Madeira Archipelago migrant breeder Social: Solitary or in pairs Length: 26 - 28 cm Wingspan: 67 – 72 cm Status: Least Concern Seasonality in Madeira: April to September Also known as:
Petrell de Bulwer
Bulwersturmvogel
Petrel de Bulwer
Tyrskyliitäjä
Pétrel de Bulwer
Berta di Bulwer
Bulwers Stormvogel
Spisshalepetrell
Spetsstjärtad petrell
