White-bellied Storm Petrel

White-bellied storm petrel is a compact black-and-white seabird that breeds in the Kermadec region and ranges over warm offshore water. A dark head and breast contrast with a broad white belly and rump; its feet do not project beyond the tail. Black-bellied storm petrel has a strong dark stripe down the white belly.

New Zealand breeding is confined to subtropical offshore islands in the Kermadec group, with birds dispersing widely into the tropical Pacific. It patters and dips at the surface for small crustaceans, fish and squid, and nests in burrows or rock crevices.

White-bellied storm petrel is Threatened — Nationally Endangered (NZ Threat Classification). Introduced rats and cats have removed colonies from accessible islands. Sightings require offshore travel in northern oceanic waters, most reliably around the Kermadec Islands.