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Very small diving seabird, widespread in cold waters of the Southern Ocean; rarely seen from mainland.
Not listed
Indigenous: Smaller Diving Petrel, Tee-Tee, Diving Petrel
At a glance
FamilyShearwaters and Petrels
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatCoastlines, harbours, offshore waters, estuaries, headlands, beaches, and large inland water when conditions suit.
Best timeMost reliable in Tasmania from August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Kevin Guille
Range map
Range map
142visible hotspots
631visible records
1states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Flight is low and fast over the sea with rapid “whirring” wingbeats; does not glide. Plumage blackish above, whitish below with no bold head pattern.
Behavior
Found as singles or small groups; also 100s or even 1000s in areas with good feeding and around nesting islands. Swims low in the water and usually dives when approached or runs along the water to fly away from boats.
Gallery