Chatham Petrel

Ranguru is a small endemic gadfly petrel confined to the Chatham Islands, with grey upperparts and clean white underparts. A dark cap and eye patch contrast with white forehead and underparts, and a dark diagonal bar crosses the underwing. Cook’s petrel has a whiter face and differs subtly in underwing pattern and bill proportions.

Natural breeding survived on Rangatira Island; managed transfers established colonies on Pitt and Chatham islands. Ranguru feed on small fish, squid and crustaceans and return to burrows after dark. They lay one egg, but competition with broad-billed prions historically caused many nest failures.

Chatham petrel is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Burrow competition, introduced predators and a small island range require intensive management. Colonies are protected and mostly inaccessible; at-sea sightings are most likely around the Chatham Islands.