Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata

Abstract

The genus Pseudobulweria includes four extant species, three being classified as critically endangered, while the fourth (Tahiti Petrel P. rostrata) is near threatened. Information on the breeding biology of any species of the genus is scarce, even for the Tahiti Petrel. We monitored two Tahiti Petrel nests in New Caledonia and provide the first data on the breeding biology for the genus. Incubation lasts about 55 days, and young fledge at 110 days. Breeding in the southern lagoon of New Caledonia extends from September to April. Very strong interspecific competition for nest cavities occurs with Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus pacificus. We also document geographical variation in both biometry and breeding phenology over the Pacific breeding range. © 2006 British Ornithologists' Union.