Grey-faced Petrel

Ōi is a large dark gadfly petrel with a grey face that breeds around the northern North Island during winter. The dark-brown body contrasts with a paler grey face and a stout black bill. Flesh-footed shearwater is longer-bodied with a pale bill and steadier shearwater flight.

Colonies occur on islands and a few mainland headlands from Northland through the Bay of Plenty, including the Hauraki Gulf and Moutohorā/Whale Island. Ōi take squid, fish and crustaceans at sea and return noisily to burrows after dark. A single egg is laid in winter, unusual among northern New Zealand seabirds.

Grey-faced petrel is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Rats, cats, pigs and dogs damage accessible colonies, while fishing gear can kill birds at sea. Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty pelagic trips see birds regularly; breeding colonies are best approached only at managed public sites.