Zino's Petrel

Overview

Zino's petrel, or freira, is a small seabird in the gadfly petrel genus endemic to the island of Madeira. It is one of Europe's most endangered seabirds, with breeding populations restricted to a few ledges in the central mountains.

Identification

• Small, long-winged petrel measuring 32–34 cm in length with an 80–86 cm wingspan and an average weight of 290 g.
• Grey back and wings featuring a dark 'W' marking, with a white belly and grey flanks.
• Blackish underwings with a white triangle at the front edge near the body, and a small, delicate, often long and slender bill.
• Gives a long mournful call resembling the hooting of a tawny owl, and occasionally a whimpering sound, while silent at sea.

Habitat

Breeds on inaccessible and well-vegetated ledges in the central mountains of Madeira between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, typically at heights above 1,650 m. Nests are shallow burrows or old rabbit tunnels in thick soil, and the birds disperse widely over the North Atlantic during the non-breeding period.

Diet

Feeds on small squid and fish, with stomach contents containing cephalopods, the bioluminescent fish Electrona risso, and small crustaceans. Unlike some other petrels, it does not normally follow ships for food.

Did you know?

The Portuguese name freira, meaning 'nun', originates from a local legend that the petrels' nocturnal wailing was the sound of the suffering souls of nuns who had taken refuge in Curral das Freiras during a 1566 pirate attack.