Great Shearwater vs Providence Petrel

Ardenna gravis compared with Pterodroma solandri

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Great Shearwater Providence Petrel
Scientific Name Ardenna gravis Pterodroma solandri
Order Procellariiformes Procellariiformes
Family Procellariidae Procellariidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 63.6 cm (25.0 in) 59.8 cm (23.5 in)
Weight 832.5 g (29.37 oz) 480.3333333333333 g (16.94 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1 1
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Great Shearwater only

None

Providence Petrel only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Great Shearwater

Least Concern

Providence Petrel

About These Birds

Great Shearwater

43–51 cm, wingspan 105–122 cm. Large; dark brown above with white underparts, dark cap, and distinctive scaly pattern on upperwing. Breeds Tristan da Cunha, Gough, and Falklands; migrates to North Atlantic. Feeds on fish and squid; spectacular post-breeding migration past UK coasts.

Providence Petrel

40 cm, wingspan 96–100 cm. Dark brown overall with pale forehead; underwing shows white flash at base of primaries. Breeds Lord Howe Island; migrates to North Pacific after breeding. Feeds on squid and fish; populations recovering after predator control on Lord Howe.

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