Tahiti petrel: Difference between revisions
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| status = NT |
| status = NT |
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| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
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| status_ref = |
| status_ref =<ref name="bli">{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2018 |title=''Pseudobulweria rostrata'' |volume=2018 |page=e.T22697925A132612667 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697925A132612667.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> |
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| genus = Pseudobulweria |
| genus = Pseudobulweria |
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| species = rostrata |
| species = rostrata |
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| authority = ([[Titian Peale|Peale]], |
| authority = ([[Titian Peale|Peale]], 1849) |
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| synonyms = |
| synonyms = |
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| range_map = Pseudobulweria rostrata map.svg |
| range_map = Pseudobulweria rostrata map.svg |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Tahiti petrel (''Pseudobulweria rostrata)''''' is a medium-sized, dark brown and white seabird found across the [[Pacific Ocean]]. The species comprises two subspecies: ''P. r. rostrata'' which breeds in the west-central [[Pacific Ocean]], and ''P. r. trouessarti'' which breeds in the tropical and subtropical [[Pacific Ocean]].<ref name="bli"/><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gangloff |first1=Benoit |last2=Shirihai |first2=Hadoram |last3=Watling |first3=Dick |last4=Cruaud |first4=Corinne |last5=Couloux |first5=Arnaud |last6=Tillier |first6=Annie |last7=Pasquet |first7=Eric |last8=Bretagnolle |first8=Vincent |date=2012-02-01 |title=The complete phylogeny of Pseudobulweria, the most endangered seabird genus: systematics, species status and conservation implications |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-011-0261-6 |journal=Conservation Genetics |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=39–52 |doi=10.1007/s10592-011-0261-6 |s2cid=254424944 |issn=1572-9737}}</ref> The Tahiti petrel belongs to the [[Procellariidae]] family and is the most studied member of the ''[[Pseudobulweria]]'' genus which comprises three critically endangered species.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last1=Rauzon |first1=Mark J. |last2=Rudd |first2=Alexis B. |date=2014 |title=Vocal repertoire of Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: a preliminary assessment |url=http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/42_2/42_2_143-148.pdf |journal=Marine Ornithology |volume=42 |issue=2 |pages=143–148}}</ref> Similarly, the Tahiti petrel is considered [[Near-threatened species|near threatened]] by the 2018 [[IUCN Red List|IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]].<ref name="bli" /> Threats include introduced rats, feral cats, pigs, dogs, nickel mining, and light pollution.<ref name="botw"/><ref name=":6" /><ref name="bli" /> |
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== Taxonomy == |
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The '''Tahiti petrel''' (''Pseudobulweria rostrata'') is a species of [[seabird]] in the family [[Procellariidae]]. It is found in [[American Samoa]], [[Australia]], [[Fiji]], [[French Polynesia]], [[Mexico]], [[New Caledonia]], [[New Zealand]], the [[Solomon Islands]], [[Tonga]], [[Vanuatu]], and possibly the [[Cook Islands]]. It is a pelagic bird of the open seas, but nests in [[subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest]], subtropical or tropical moist [[montane forest]], [[subtropical or tropical moist shrubland]] and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. It has been recorded as a [[vagrant]] in [[Hawaii]], [[Taiwan]], [[Baja California]], and, most surprisingly, in [[North Carolina]] |
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In 1848, [[Titian Peale|Peale]] collected and described the first specimen of this species in [[Tahiti]]. Then, in 1917, the Tahiti petrel was separated into two subspecies: ''rostrata'' and ''trouessarti'', due to ''trouessarti''<nowiki/>'s more robust bill.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brasil |first=M. L. |title=Notes sur la faune ornithologique de l'Océanie |publisher=Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist. Paris |year=1917 |edition=23 |pages=429–441}}</ref> Not only is there a physiological difference between the two, they are also found in different geographic locations. ''P. r. rostrata,'' the nominate subspecies, breeds in the west-central [[Pacific Ocean]] whereas ''P. r. trouessarti'' breeds in the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean. Also, after originally being classified as ''[[Gadfly petrel|Pterodroma]]'', genetic studies showed that the bird is instead a part of the ''[[Pseudobulweria]]'' genus. Furthermore, this study showed species distinction between the [[Mascarene petrel]] (''Pseudobulweria aterrima)'' and the Tahiti petrel (''Pseudobulweria aterrima)'' by analyzing phylogenetic histories.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bretagnolle |first1=Vincent |last2=Attié |first2=Carole |last3=Pasquet |first3=Eric |date=1 January 1998 |title=Cytochrome-B Evidence for Validity and Phylogenetic Relationships Of Pseudobulweria and Bulweria (Procellariidae) |url=https://academic.oup.com/auk/article/115/1/188/5173456 |journal=American Ornithological Society |volume=115 |issue=1 |pages=188–195}}</ref> Indeed, the genus includes the Tahiti petrel, [[Beck's petrel]] (''Pseudobulweria becki''), the [[Fiji petrel]] (Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi), the [[Mascarene petrel]] (Pseudobulweria aterrima), and the [[Saint Helena petrel]] (''Pterodroma'' r''upinarum)'' which is now extinct. Similarly to the [[Mascarene petrel]] before gene analysis, [[Beck's petrel]] is currently considered a member of the Tahiti petrel species by some scientists due to the lack of specimens for research.<ref name="onlinelibrary.wiley.com">{{Cite journal |last1=Villard |first1=Pascal |last2=Dano |first2=Stéphanie |last3=Bretagnolle |first3=Vincent |date=2006-04-13 |title=Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel |journal=Ibis |language=en |volume=148 |issue=2 |pages=285–291 |doi=10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00528.x|doi-access=free }}</ref> |
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== Description == |
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While there has been limited research done on the Tahiti petrel and its interactions with other species, it has been found that there is a possibility for the Tahiti petrel to coexist with the wedge-tailed shearwater<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ravache A, Bourgeois K, Weimerskirch H, Pagenaud A, de Grissac S, Miller M, Dromzée S, Lorrain A, Allain V, Bustamante P, Bylemans J, Gleeson D, Letourneur Y, Vidal É | display-authors = 6 | title = Behavioral and trophic segregations help the Tahiti petrel to cope with the abundance of wedge-tailed shearwater when foraging in oligotrophic tropical waters | journal = Scientific Reports | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 15129 | date = September 2020 | pmid = 32934324 | pmc = 7492251 | doi = 10.1038/s41598-020-72206-0 }}</ref>. Due to the petrel's foraging patterns, described as opportunistic, contrasting the shearwater's more aggressive scavenging patterns, there is limited competition for prey. |
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Adult Tahiti petrels are between 315 and 506 g<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal |last=de L. Brooke |first=M. |date=2004-05-07 |title=The food consumption of the world's seabirds |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences |language=en |volume=271 |issue=suppl_4 |pages=S246-8 |doi=10.1098/rsbl.2003.0153 |issn=0962-8452 |pmc=1810044 |pmid=15252997}}</ref> and have wingspans averaging 104.5 cm long<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last1=Howell |first1=Steve N. G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-8eXDwAAQBAJ&dq=Howell,+S.+N.+G.,+and+K.+Zufelt+(2019).+Oceanic+Birds+of+the+World.+Princeton+University+Press,+Princeton,+NJ,+USA.&pg=PA6 |title=Oceanic Birds of the World: A Photo Guide |last2=Zufelt |first2=Kirk |date=2019-08-20 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-0-691-17501-0 |language=en}}</ref> whereas their overall length is between 38-42 cm.<ref name=":1" /> The species is identifiable by its wedge-shaped tail, long wings and neck, small head, black, stout, and bulbous bill, dark brown eyes, and dark elongated body with white abdomen. In addition, adults are mostly dark brown with darker hoods and paler rumps. Their underwings have a faint white line along the middle with slightly paler flight feathers. Juveniles are similar to adults in plumage and females usually have smaller measurements.<ref name="botw">{{Cite journal |last1=Carboneras |first1=Carles |last2=Jutglar |first2=Francesc |last3=Kirwan |first3=Guy M. |date=2020 |title=Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata), version 1.0 |url=https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/tahpet1/cur/introduction |journal=Birds of the World |language=en |doi= 10.2173/bow.tahpet1.01 |issn=2771-3105}}</ref>[[Image:Tahitipetrel.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Tahiti petrel photographed off the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] of south east Queensland, Australia]]At long ranges, the species might be hard to identify from other petrels that overlap their geographic distribution. The biggest difference is usually in the narrower wings of the Tahiti petrel which are fully perpendicular to the body and straight in flight, more closely resembling an [[albatross]]. On the other hand, the [[Phoenix petrel]] (''Pterodroma alba),'' a similar but smaller petrel, flies with wings more forward and bent. From closer ranges, the Tahiti petrel is distinct from the Phoenix petrel due to the latter's larger bill, lack of white line on underwings, and paler tail.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Spear |first1=Larry B. |last2=Howell |first2=Steve N. G. |last3=Ainley |first3=David G. |date=1992 |title=Notes on the At-Sea Identification of Some Pacific Gadfly Petrels (Genus: Pterodroma) |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1521454 |journal=Colonial Waterbirds |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=202–218 |doi=10.2307/1521454 |jstor=1521454 |issn=0738-6028}}</ref> In addition, the [[Atlantic petrel]] (''Pterodroma incerta)'' is sometimes confused for the Tahiti petrel due to its similar white abdomen. However, the [[Atlantic petrel]] can be identified by its brown undertail, dark patch around the eye, and plain underwings.<ref name="botw"/> |
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== Distribution and habitat == |
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==Subspecies== |
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Despite its name, the Tahiti petrel is found across the [[Pacific Ocean]]. As discussed earlier, the subspecies breed in different areas of the ocean: |
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There are two listed [[subspecies]] of the Tahiti petrel: |
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''P. r. rostrata -'' Confirmed to breed in the [[American Samoa]], [[Gambier Islands]], [[Marquesas Islands]], and [[Society Islands]]. Potentially breeds on [[Rarotonga]] of the [[Cook Islands]] as well.<ref name="botw"/> |
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*''P. r. trouessarti'', <small>(Brasil, 1917)</small>: breeds in [[New Caledonia]]. |
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''P. r. trouessarti'' – Confirmed to breed in [[New Caledonia]] and [[Vanuatu]].<ref name="botw"/> |
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[[Image:Tahitipetrel.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Tahiti petrel photographed off the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] of south east Queensland, Australia]] |
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Their non-breeding geographic distribution is [[Australia]], [[Guam]], and the [[Federated States of Micronesia]]. However, vagrant individuals have been identified all over [[South America|South]] and [[Central America]], [[Asia]], and [[Oceania]] as seen below.<ref name="bli"/> |
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Vagrants have been found in [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Ecuador]], [[El Salvador]], [[French Southern and Antarctic Lands|French Southern Territories]], [[Guatemala]], [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Kiribati]], [[Marshall Islands]], [[Nauru]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Niue]], [[Norfolk Island]], [[Northern Mariana Islands]], [[Palau]], [[Panama]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Peru]], [[Philippines]], [[Pitcairn Islands|Pitcairn]], [[Samoa]], [[Tokelau]], [[Tonga]], [[Tuvalu]], [[United States Minor Outlying Islands]], and [[Wallis and Futuna]].<ref name="bli" /> |
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The Tahiti petrel requires both terrestrial and marine systems and is often found in both shallow and oceanic [[marine habitat]]s as well as [[shrubland]] and [[Forest ecology|forest habitat]] types.<ref name="bli"/> In terms of marine habitats, they prefer water with surface temperatures higher than 25°C.<ref name="botw"/> Consequently, [[El Niño]] events may have an influence on their abundance in waters of the East Pacific.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ribic |first1=Christine A. |last2=Ainley |first2=David G. |last3=Spear |first3=Larry B. |date=1992 |title=Effects of El Niño and La Niña on seabird assemblages in the Equatorial Pacific |journal=Marine Ecology Progress Series |volume=80 |issue=2/3 |pages=109–124 |doi=10.3354/meps080109 |jstor=24826600 |bibcode=1992MEPS...80..109R |issn=0171-8630|doi-access=free }}</ref> |
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== Behaviour == |
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=== Reproduction === |
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When nesting, the species lays eggs at high altitudes in mountains or forests. This explains its preference for [[volcanic island]]s when breeding. Although the Tahiti petrel breeds all year long, a peak of egg-laying occurs between March and July with most newborns being ready to fly between July and September.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last1=Thibault |first1=J.-C |title=Bird of Eastern Polynesia: A Biogeographic Atlas |last2=Cibois |first2=A. |publisher=Lynx Edicions |year=2017 |location=Barcelona, Spain}}</ref> In general, the loose breeding season is associated with the March to October period.<ref name=":02"/> In [[New Caledonia]], ''P. r. trouessarti'' nests in crevices and burrows up to 500 m high in elevation. In other areas, the species may nest up to 1,900 m high.<ref name=":4" /> Overall, the breeding biology of the ''[[Pseudobulweria]]'' genus is scarce, with no data on incubation or chick-rearing gathered.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Villard |first1=Pascal |last2=Dano |first2=StéPhanie |last3=Bretagnolle |first3=Vincent |date=2006-04-13 |title=Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel |journal=Ibis |language=en |volume=148 |issue=2 |pages=285–291 |doi=10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00528.x|doi-access=free }}</ref> |
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=== Diet === |
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The Tahiti petrel's diet is close to unknown, although some observational feeding records exist. These records describe the bird seizing prey at the surface of water instead of diving.<ref name=":02" /> For example, they have been found to hunt [[Halobates|sea skaters]] and have feeding associations with other [[seabird]]s and [[pilot whale]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cheng |first1=L. |last2=Spear |first2=L.B. |last3=Ainley |first3=D.G |date=2010 |title=Importance of marine insects (Heteroptera: Gerridae, Halobates spp.) as prey of eastern tropical Pacific seabirds. |url=http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/38_2/38_2_91-95.pdf |journal=Marine Ornithology |volume=38 |issue=2 |pages=91–95}}</ref> Analysis of their gut contents has revealed the digestion of deep [[pelagic fish]], [[cephalopod]]s, and [[Demersal zone|benthopelagic]] fish like [[Marine hatchetfish|hatchetfish]] (Sternoptychidae family), [[snake mackerel]]s (''Gempylus serpens),'' and [[silver scabbardfish]] (''Lepidopus caudatus''). Since these petrels do not dive, the presence of deep-sea fish in their stomachs indicates [[Scavenger|scavenging behaviour]] on dead organisms or seizing species at night when they [[Diel vertical migration|migrate vertically]] in the [[water column]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ravache |first1=Andreas |last2=Bourgeois |first2=Karen |last3=Weimerskirch |first3=Henri |last4=Pagenaud |first4=Angélique |last5=de Grissac |first5=Sophie |last6=Miller |first6=Mark |last7=Dromzée |first7=Sylvain |last8=Lorrain |first8=Anne |last9=Allain |first9=Valérie |last10=Bustamante |first10=Paco |last11=Bylemans |first11=Jonas |last12=Gleeson |first12=Dianne |last13=Letourneur |first13=Yves |last14=Vidal |first14=Éric |date=2020-09-15 |title=Behavioral and trophic segregations help the Tahiti petrel to cope with the abundance of wedge-tailed shearwater when foraging in oligotrophic tropical waters |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=15129 |doi=10.1038/s41598-020-72206-0 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=7492251 |pmid=32934324|bibcode=2020NatSR..1015129R }}</ref> |
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=== Vocalization === |
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When in flight or on its breeding ground, ''P. r. rostrata'' uses a long series of whistles in an elaborate call ending with a hooting sound.<ref name=":02" /> Specifically in [[American Samoa]], ''P. r. rostrata'' vocalization was described as a ground call composed of 7 parts, uttering a condensed version when in flight. The introductory "ti-ti" call is a series of staccato notes observed in 20 other [[petrel]] species. Furthermore, as the subspecies gets closer to the colony in the dark or fog, researchers believe it may use [[Animal echolocation|echolocating]] methodologies.<ref name=":52">{{Cite journal |last1=Rauzon |first1=Mark J. |last2=Rudd |first2=Alexis B. |date=2014 |title=Vocal repertoire of Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: a preliminary assessment |url=http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/42_2/42_2_143-148.pdf |journal=Marine Ornithology |volume=42 |issue=2 |pages=143–148}}</ref> On the other hand, while flying, ''P. r. trouessarti'' performs up-slurred whistles and when on the ground, usually performs braying whistles composed of a hiccup, whistle, moan, pause, and harmonics.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dutson |first=Guy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VgLVBAAAQBAJ&dq=Dutson,+G.+(2011).+Birds+of+Melanesia:+The+Bismarcks,+Solomons,+Vanuatu+and+New+Caledonia.+Christopher+Helm,+London,+UK.&pg=PP1 |title=Birds of Melanesia: Bismarcks, Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia |date=2011-11-30 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-4081-5246-1 |language=en}}</ref> In general, many variations in call segments are observed, which may display sex, emotions, and individuality.<ref name=":52" /> |
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== Conservation == |
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=== Population trends === |
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''[[Pseudobulweria]]'' is the most endangered seabird genus as the [[Fiji petrel]], [[Beck's petrel]], and the [[Mascarene petrel]] are all critically endangered.<ref name=":52" /> Indeed, the Tahiti petrel is considered near threatened by the 2018 [[IUCN Red List|IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]].<ref name="bli"/> Most population trends are unknown in [[Fiji]], [[American Samoa]], and the [[Cook Islands]].<ref name=":02" /> However, breeding populations are decreasing on [[Marquesas Islands|Marquesas]], [[Tahiti]], and [[Mo'orea]] with <500 pairs, <1,000 pairs, and <several thousand pairs respectively in each.<ref name="botw"/> Overall, the species is estimated to have 10,000–19,999 mature individuals with 20,000–30,000 total individuals. According to marine surveys, a 35% decrease in eastern tropical Pacific individuals was approximated between the periods of 1988–1990 and 1998–2000.<ref name="bli" /> |
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=== Threats === |
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Threats to ''P. r. rostrata'' populations include [[feral cat]]s (''Felis catus)'' and introduced [[rat]]s (''Rattus'' spp.).<ref name="bli" /> Although predator control is required, the development of roads in mountainous regions has increased predatory access to the Tahiti petrel's breeding sites.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rauzon |first=M.J. |date=2007 |title=Island restoration: exploring the past, anticipating the future. |url=http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_2/35_2_97-107.pdf |journal=Marine Ornithology |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=97–107}}</ref> This includes access from the [[Swamp harrier|Swamp Harrier]] (''Circus approximans''), a natural predator.<ref name=":4" /> Similarly, the ''P. r. trouessarti'' subspecies is threatened by [[feral pig]]s (''Sus scrofa''), [[dog]]s (''Canis familiaris)'', [[Feral cat|cats]], and [[Nickel mine|nickel mining]].<ref name="botw"/> More specifically, dogs and pigs have been found to dig out the petrels from their nests whereas mining allows for the ingestion of harmful materials, decreasing breeding success.<ref name="bli" /> In addition, in [[New Caledonia]] and [[French Polynesia]], [[Light pollution|coastal light pollution]] can lead to mortality in juveniles.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last1=Le Corre |first1=M |last2=Ollivier |first2=A |last3=Ribes |first3=S |last4=Jouventin |first4=P |date=2002-05-01 |title=Light-induced mortality of petrels: a 4-year study from Réunion Island (Indian Ocean) |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320701002075 |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=105 |issue=1 |pages=93–102 |doi=10.1016/S0006-3207(01)00207-5 |issn=0006-3207}}</ref> Furthermore, the relationship between Tahiti petrels and [[Wedge-tailed shearwater|Wedge-tailed Shearwaters]] (''Ardenna pacifica)'' is a topic of interest for researchers as intense competition for burrows has been recorded.<ref name="onlinelibrary.wiley.com"/> |
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=== Conservation actions === |
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Currently, the KNS Mining Society plans on reducing mining in the [[Koniambo Massif|Koniambo massif]] mountain range of [[New Caledonia]]. There, the Société Calédonienne d'Ornithologie (SCO) is campaigning to collect and release individuals disoriented by light pollution. Since population trends are still mainly unknown, census and monitoring will continue for further understanding of the species' conservation needs.<ref name="bli"/> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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== External links == |
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* [https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697925/132612667#habitat-ecology IUCN Red List – Tahiti petrel conservation status] |
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* [https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/tahpet1/cur/introduction Birds of the World – Tahiti petrel general background] |
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* [https://ebird.org/species/tahpet1?siteLanguage=fr_CA eBird – Tahiti petrel] |
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* [https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/73303-Pseudobulweria-rostrata iNaturalist – Tahiti petrel] |
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* [https://xeno-canto.org/species/Pseudobulweria-rostrata Xeno Canto – Tahiti petrel vocalization recordings] |
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* [https://eol.org/search?q=Pseudobulweria%20rostrata&show_all=true Encyclopedia of Life – Tahiti petrel] |
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* [http://vireo.ansp.org/search.html?Form=Search&SEARCHBY=Common&KEYWORDS=tahiti+petrel&RESULTS=100&Search2=Search Vireo Resources for Ornithology – Tahiti petrel images] |
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{{Taxonbar|from=Q276202}} |
{{Taxonbar|from=Q276202}} |
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[[Category:Pseudobulweria]] |
[[Category:Pseudobulweria]] |
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[[Category:Birds of the Pacific Ocean]] |
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[[Category:Birds described in 1848]] |
[[Category:Birds described in 1848]] |
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[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]] |
[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]] |
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[[Category:Taxa named by Titian Peale]] |
[[Category:Taxa named by Titian Peale]] |
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{{procellariiformes-stub}} |
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Latest revision as of 09:10, 18 December 2024
| Tahiti petrel | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Procellariiformes |
| Family: | Procellariidae |
| Genus: | Pseudobulweria |
| Species: | P. rostrata
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| Binomial name | |
| Pseudobulweria rostrata (Peale, 1849)
| |
| |
The Tahiti petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata) is a medium-sized, dark brown and white seabird found across the Pacific Ocean. The species comprises two subspecies: P. r. rostrata which breeds in the west-central Pacific Ocean, and P. r. trouessarti which breeds in the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean.[1][2] The Tahiti petrel belongs to the Procellariidae family and is the most studied member of the Pseudobulweria genus which comprises three critically endangered species.[3] Similarly, the Tahiti petrel is considered near threatened by the 2018 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[1] Threats include introduced rats, feral cats, pigs, dogs, nickel mining, and light pollution.[4][5][1]
Taxonomy
[edit]In 1848, Peale collected and described the first specimen of this species in Tahiti. Then, in 1917, the Tahiti petrel was separated into two subspecies: rostrata and trouessarti, due to trouessarti's more robust bill.[6] Not only is there a physiological difference between the two, they are also found in different geographic locations. P. r. rostrata, the nominate subspecies, breeds in the west-central Pacific Ocean whereas P. r. trouessarti breeds in the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean. Also, after originally being classified as Pterodroma, genetic studies showed that the bird is instead a part of the Pseudobulweria genus. Furthermore, this study showed species distinction between the Mascarene petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima) and the Tahiti petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima) by analyzing phylogenetic histories.[7] Indeed, the genus includes the Tahiti petrel, Beck's petrel (Pseudobulweria becki), the Fiji petrel (Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi), the Mascarene petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima), and the Saint Helena petrel (Pterodroma rupinarum) which is now extinct. Similarly to the Mascarene petrel before gene analysis, Beck's petrel is currently considered a member of the Tahiti petrel species by some scientists due to the lack of specimens for research.[8]
Description
[edit]Adult Tahiti petrels are between 315 and 506 g[9] and have wingspans averaging 104.5 cm long[10] whereas their overall length is between 38-42 cm.[10] The species is identifiable by its wedge-shaped tail, long wings and neck, small head, black, stout, and bulbous bill, dark brown eyes, and dark elongated body with white abdomen. In addition, adults are mostly dark brown with darker hoods and paler rumps. Their underwings have a faint white line along the middle with slightly paler flight feathers. Juveniles are similar to adults in plumage and females usually have smaller measurements.[4]
At long ranges, the species might be hard to identify from other petrels that overlap their geographic distribution. The biggest difference is usually in the narrower wings of the Tahiti petrel which are fully perpendicular to the body and straight in flight, more closely resembling an albatross. On the other hand, the Phoenix petrel (Pterodroma alba), a similar but smaller petrel, flies with wings more forward and bent. From closer ranges, the Tahiti petrel is distinct from the Phoenix petrel due to the latter's larger bill, lack of white line on underwings, and paler tail.[11] In addition, the Atlantic petrel (Pterodroma incerta) is sometimes confused for the Tahiti petrel due to its similar white abdomen. However, the Atlantic petrel can be identified by its brown undertail, dark patch around the eye, and plain underwings.[4]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Despite its name, the Tahiti petrel is found across the Pacific Ocean. As discussed earlier, the subspecies breed in different areas of the ocean:
P. r. rostrata - Confirmed to breed in the American Samoa, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Society Islands. Potentially breeds on Rarotonga of the Cook Islands as well.[4]
P. r. trouessarti – Confirmed to breed in New Caledonia and Vanuatu.[4]
Their non-breeding geographic distribution is Australia, Guam, and the Federated States of Micronesia. However, vagrant individuals have been identified all over South and Central America, Asia, and Oceania as seen below.[1]
Vagrants have been found in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Southern Territories, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States Minor Outlying Islands, and Wallis and Futuna.[1]
The Tahiti petrel requires both terrestrial and marine systems and is often found in both shallow and oceanic marine habitats as well as shrubland and forest habitat types.[1] In terms of marine habitats, they prefer water with surface temperatures higher than 25°C.[4] Consequently, El Niño events may have an influence on their abundance in waters of the East Pacific.[12]
Behaviour
[edit]Reproduction
[edit]When nesting, the species lays eggs at high altitudes in mountains or forests. This explains its preference for volcanic islands when breeding. Although the Tahiti petrel breeds all year long, a peak of egg-laying occurs between March and July with most newborns being ready to fly between July and September.[13] In general, the loose breeding season is associated with the March to October period.[9] In New Caledonia, P. r. trouessarti nests in crevices and burrows up to 500 m high in elevation. In other areas, the species may nest up to 1,900 m high.[13] Overall, the breeding biology of the Pseudobulweria genus is scarce, with no data on incubation or chick-rearing gathered.[14]
Diet
[edit]The Tahiti petrel's diet is close to unknown, although some observational feeding records exist. These records describe the bird seizing prey at the surface of water instead of diving.[9] For example, they have been found to hunt sea skaters and have feeding associations with other seabirds and pilot whales.[15] Analysis of their gut contents has revealed the digestion of deep pelagic fish, cephalopods, and benthopelagic fish like hatchetfish (Sternoptychidae family), snake mackerels (Gempylus serpens), and silver scabbardfish (Lepidopus caudatus). Since these petrels do not dive, the presence of deep-sea fish in their stomachs indicates scavenging behaviour on dead organisms or seizing species at night when they migrate vertically in the water column.[16]
Vocalization
[edit]When in flight or on its breeding ground, P. r. rostrata uses a long series of whistles in an elaborate call ending with a hooting sound.[9] Specifically in American Samoa, P. r. rostrata vocalization was described as a ground call composed of 7 parts, uttering a condensed version when in flight. The introductory "ti-ti" call is a series of staccato notes observed in 20 other petrel species. Furthermore, as the subspecies gets closer to the colony in the dark or fog, researchers believe it may use echolocating methodologies.[17] On the other hand, while flying, P. r. trouessarti performs up-slurred whistles and when on the ground, usually performs braying whistles composed of a hiccup, whistle, moan, pause, and harmonics.[18] In general, many variations in call segments are observed, which may display sex, emotions, and individuality.[17]
Conservation
[edit]Population trends
[edit]Pseudobulweria is the most endangered seabird genus as the Fiji petrel, Beck's petrel, and the Mascarene petrel are all critically endangered.[17] Indeed, the Tahiti petrel is considered near threatened by the 2018 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[1] Most population trends are unknown in Fiji, American Samoa, and the Cook Islands.[9] However, breeding populations are decreasing on Marquesas, Tahiti, and Mo'orea with <500 pairs, <1,000 pairs, and <several thousand pairs respectively in each.[4] Overall, the species is estimated to have 10,000–19,999 mature individuals with 20,000–30,000 total individuals. According to marine surveys, a 35% decrease in eastern tropical Pacific individuals was approximated between the periods of 1988–1990 and 1998–2000.[1]
Threats
[edit]Threats to P. r. rostrata populations include feral cats (Felis catus) and introduced rats (Rattus spp.).[1] Although predator control is required, the development of roads in mountainous regions has increased predatory access to the Tahiti petrel's breeding sites.[13][19] This includes access from the Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans), a natural predator.[13] Similarly, the P. r. trouessarti subspecies is threatened by feral pigs (Sus scrofa), dogs (Canis familiaris), cats, and nickel mining.[4] More specifically, dogs and pigs have been found to dig out the petrels from their nests whereas mining allows for the ingestion of harmful materials, decreasing breeding success.[1] In addition, in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, coastal light pollution can lead to mortality in juveniles.[5] Furthermore, the relationship between Tahiti petrels and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna pacifica) is a topic of interest for researchers as intense competition for burrows has been recorded.[8]
Conservation actions
[edit]Currently, the KNS Mining Society plans on reducing mining in the Koniambo massif mountain range of New Caledonia. There, the Société Calédonienne d'Ornithologie (SCO) is campaigning to collect and release individuals disoriented by light pollution. Since population trends are still mainly unknown, census and monitoring will continue for further understanding of the species' conservation needs.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l BirdLife International (2018). "Pseudobulweria rostrata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22697925A132612667. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697925A132612667.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ Gangloff, Benoit; Shirihai, Hadoram; Watling, Dick; Cruaud, Corinne; Couloux, Arnaud; Tillier, Annie; Pasquet, Eric; Bretagnolle, Vincent (2012-02-01). "The complete phylogeny of Pseudobulweria, the most endangered seabird genus: systematics, species status and conservation implications". Conservation Genetics. 13 (1): 39–52. doi:10.1007/s10592-011-0261-6. ISSN 1572-9737. S2CID 254424944.
- ^ Rauzon, Mark J.; Rudd, Alexis B. (2014). "Vocal repertoire of Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: a preliminary assessment" (PDF). Marine Ornithology. 42 (2): 143–148.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Carboneras, Carles; Jutglar, Francesc; Kirwan, Guy M. (2020). "Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata), version 1.0". Birds of the World. doi:10.2173/bow.tahpet1.01. ISSN 2771-3105.
- ^ a b Le Corre, M; Ollivier, A; Ribes, S; Jouventin, P (2002-05-01). "Light-induced mortality of petrels: a 4-year study from Réunion Island (Indian Ocean)". Biological Conservation. 105 (1): 93–102. doi:10.1016/S0006-3207(01)00207-5. ISSN 0006-3207.
- ^ Brasil, M. L. (1917). Notes sur la faune ornithologique de l'Océanie (23 ed.). Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist. Paris. pp. 429–441.
- ^ Bretagnolle, Vincent; Attié, Carole; Pasquet, Eric (1 January 1998). "Cytochrome-B Evidence for Validity and Phylogenetic Relationships Of Pseudobulweria and Bulweria (Procellariidae)". American Ornithological Society. 115 (1): 188–195.
- ^ a b Villard, Pascal; Dano, Stéphanie; Bretagnolle, Vincent (2006-04-13). "Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel". Ibis. 148 (2): 285–291. doi:10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00528.x.
- ^ a b c d e de L. Brooke, M. (2004-05-07). "The food consumption of the world's seabirds". Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences. 271 (suppl_4): S246-8. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2003.0153. ISSN 0962-8452. PMC 1810044. PMID 15252997.
- ^ a b Howell, Steve N. G.; Zufelt, Kirk (2019-08-20). Oceanic Birds of the World: A Photo Guide. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-17501-0.
- ^ Spear, Larry B.; Howell, Steve N. G.; Ainley, David G. (1992). "Notes on the At-Sea Identification of Some Pacific Gadfly Petrels (Genus: Pterodroma)". Colonial Waterbirds. 15 (2): 202–218. doi:10.2307/1521454. ISSN 0738-6028. JSTOR 1521454.
- ^ Ribic, Christine A.; Ainley, David G.; Spear, Larry B. (1992). "Effects of El Niño and La Niña on seabird assemblages in the Equatorial Pacific". Marine Ecology Progress Series. 80 (2/3): 109–124. Bibcode:1992MEPS...80..109R. doi:10.3354/meps080109. ISSN 0171-8630. JSTOR 24826600.
- ^ a b c d Thibault, J.-C; Cibois, A. (2017). Bird of Eastern Polynesia: A Biogeographic Atlas. Barcelona, Spain: Lynx Edicions.
- ^ Villard, Pascal; Dano, StéPhanie; Bretagnolle, Vincent (2006-04-13). "Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel". Ibis. 148 (2): 285–291. doi:10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00528.x.
- ^ Cheng, L.; Spear, L.B.; Ainley, D.G (2010). "Importance of marine insects (Heteroptera: Gerridae, Halobates spp.) as prey of eastern tropical Pacific seabirds" (PDF). Marine Ornithology. 38 (2): 91–95.
- ^ Ravache, Andreas; Bourgeois, Karen; Weimerskirch, Henri; Pagenaud, Angélique; de Grissac, Sophie; Miller, Mark; Dromzée, Sylvain; Lorrain, Anne; Allain, Valérie; Bustamante, Paco; Bylemans, Jonas; Gleeson, Dianne; Letourneur, Yves; Vidal, Éric (2020-09-15). "Behavioral and trophic segregations help the Tahiti petrel to cope with the abundance of wedge-tailed shearwater when foraging in oligotrophic tropical waters". Scientific Reports. 10 (1): 15129. Bibcode:2020NatSR..1015129R. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-72206-0. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 7492251. PMID 32934324.
- ^ a b c Rauzon, Mark J.; Rudd, Alexis B. (2014). "Vocal repertoire of Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: a preliminary assessment" (PDF). Marine Ornithology. 42 (2): 143–148.
- ^ Dutson, Guy (2011-11-30). Birds of Melanesia: Bismarcks, Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4081-5246-1.
- ^ Rauzon, M.J. (2007). "Island restoration: exploring the past, anticipating the future" (PDF). Marine Ornithology. 35 (2): 97–107.