Kermadec Storm Petrel

Kermadec storm petrel is an endemic storm petrel known to breed only on tiny Haszard Island in the southern Kermadecs. It resembles white-faced storm petrel but has a prominent white rump and a nearly square folded tail; the face and underparts are white and the back grey.

The sole known colony is on Haszard Island off Macauley Island, and most sea records are within 750 km of the Kermadec group. It feeds in high bounding hops above the surface and lays one egg in gritty soil under herbs and sedges.

Kermadec storm petrel is Threatened — Nationally Critical (NZ Threat Classification). Its single tiny colony faces nest disturbance from larger burrowing petrels. It is rarely seen away from the remote Kermadec Islands; specialist expeditions offer the only realistic chance.