GREY-FACED PETREL Pterodroma gouldi

Although split from the previous species, White-headed Petrel is closer genetically. More abundant than Great-winged, it is restricted to breeding on offshore islsnds and headlands of North Island New Zealand, its post-breeding dispersal being centred on this area, especially the Chatham Rise and central Tasman Sea. Thus the two species can overlap, but not around NZ itself. The pale grey area behind the bill is diagnostic, but it is also larger with a thicker bill. Great-winged can show some grey, but never as extensive.


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