The Zino's petrel (Pterodroma madeira), also known as the Madeira petrel, is a small seabird endemic to the island of Madeira, Portugal. It measures about 32-34 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 80-86 cm, and weighs around 290-330 grams. The Zino's petrel has a distinctive plumage characterized by slate-grey to dark grey upperparts and white underparts. Its wings are dark grey with a darker "M" pattern across the upper wings, and the tail is dark grey. The head features a dark grey cap with a white forehead and throat. This petrel is known for its graceful, acrobatic flight and its ability to glide effortlessly over the ocean. It nests in high-altitude mountainous regions of Madeira, preferring cavities and crevices in cliffs for protection. Zino's petrel is one of the rarest seabirds in the world, with its population critically endangered due to habitat loss, predation by invasive species, and human disturbances.
Habitats & Distribution
Zino's Petrel primarily inhabits the high-altitude regions of the central mountain massif on Madeira Island, part of the Madeira archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. These seabirds nest in burrows or rock crevices found in steep, rugged terrain at elevations between 1,650 to 1,850 meters. The areas are characterized by laurel forests and open heath, providing essential cover and nesting sites.
During the non-breeding season, Zino's Petrel is pelagic, ranging widely over the North Atlantic. While the precise extent of its pelagic range is not comprehensively mapped, it is believed to frequent waters from the Azores eastwards to the coast of Portugal and the western Mediterranean. The habitat preference during this time includes open ocean regions where it forages for squid, small fish, and crustaceans.
Behaviours & Reproduction
Zino's Petrel exhibits monogamous mating behavior, typically forming lifelong pairs. These birds have a highly synchronous breeding season, usually starting in late March. They nest in burrows or crevices in high-altitude cliffs on the island of Madeira. Socially, they are somewhat solitary, particularly outside of the breeding season when they are often pelagic, spending their time alone at sea. During the breeding season, however, they come together in loosely associated colonies.
Reproduction involves both parents sharing duties almost equally. The female lays a single egg, which both parents take turns incubating for about 51-54 days. After hatching, both parents are involved in feeding the chick through regurgitation, a process that continues until the chick fledges roughly 85 days later. Unique to their reproductive strategy is their strict fidelity to nesting sites, often reusing the same burrow year after year, which enhances their breeding success in a very limited and specific habitat.
Diet
The Zino's petrel primarily feeds on small fish, squid, and other marine invertebrates. It forages at sea, often far from its breeding grounds, and captures its prey by dipping into the water or making shallow dives.
Colors
Black, Gray, White
Fun Facts
Nests at High Altitudes: The Zino's petrel nests in mountainous areas at elevations above 1,600 meters in the central part of Madeira. It prefers cavities and crevices in cliffs to protect itself.
Conservation Status & Efforts
Zino's Petrel (Pterodroma madeira) is currently classified as Endangered due to its extremely small population and limited breeding range, confined to a few mountain ledges on the island of Madeira. Population trends show a concerning vulnerability with only around 65 to 80 breeding pairs estimated. Key threats include habitat destruction from wildfires, predation by invasive species such as rats and cats, and human disturbances.
Conservation efforts for Zino's Petrel are robust and multi-faceted, focusing on habitat restoration and predator control. Active measures involve removing invasive species, reforestation projects to stabilize their nesting grounds, and the establishment of protected areas to minimize human impact. Additionally, monitoring programs and public awareness campaigns are essential components of ongoing strategies to safeguard the future of this rare seabird.
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