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This species is also known to be an opportunistic feeder, scavenging fish waste discarded by hoki fishers.
Not listed
Indigenous: Westland Black Petrel
At a glance
FamilyShearwaters and Petrels
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatCoastlines, harbours, offshore waters, estuaries, headlands, beaches, and large inland water when conditions suit.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from April.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by David Boyle
Range map
Range map
28visible hotspots
90visible records
2states
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
Rather large, wholly dark petrel. Often found with much commoner, but very similar White-chinned Petrel and is not easily identified unless distinct black bill tip of Westland can be seen (White-chinned has pale bill tip). Slightly smaller Parkinson’s Petrel looks very similar to Westland, but favors warmer tropical and subtropical waters and has a smaller, more rounded head and slightly slimmer bill.
Gallery