New Zealand Storm Petrel

Takahikare-raro is a tiny endemic storm petrel rediscovered alive in 2003 after more than a century without a confirmed record. It has a white rump and belly streaked lengthwise with black, dark upperparts and long legs projecting well beyond the tail. Black-bellied storm petrel is larger and has a solid central belly stripe.

The known population forages in the outer Hauraki Gulf and breeds on Hauturu/Little Barrier Island. It patters over the sea for minute surface prey and returns to land after dark to nest in shallow burrows.

New Zealand storm petrel is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Its single known breeding island makes predator prevention and nest protection essential. Specialist pelagic trips in the outer Hauraki Gulf provide the only regular viewing opportunity.