Pterodroma – Gadfly petrel

Gadfly petrels are a fascinating and diverse group of seabirds known for their incredible long-distance flights and graceful gliding style. These medium-sized seabirds are found across many of the world’s oceans, from the Southern Hemisphere to the North Pacific. Their slender, streamlined bodies, long wings, and distinctive flight pattern make gadfly petrels stand out. They rarely flap their wings like other birds—instead, they glide effortlessly over the waves, riding the wind with agility and speed. Their plumage is usually a mix of dark grey, black, and white, with many species having a dark cap or mask on their face, giving them a sharp and alert appearance.

One of the most remarkable things about gadfly petrels is their nomadic lifestyle. These birds spend most of their lives at sea, far from land, only returning to remote islands and cliffs to breed. They are true ocean wanderers, traveling thousands of kilometers across open water in search of food such as squid, fish, and other small marine creatures. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate prey across vast oceanic expanses—an uncommon trait for birds. Some species, like the Bermuda petrel (Pterodroma cahow), also known as the “Cahow,” are famous for their dramatic comeback stories, having been brought back from the brink of extinction through conservation efforts.

A fun fact about gadfly petrels is that their name comes from their erratic, zig-zagging flight pattern that resembles the unpredictable movements of a gadfly insect. Another interesting trait is their nocturnal habits when nesting. Many species only return to their breeding colonies under the cover of darkness, likely to avoid predators like gulls and skuas. Their eerie, wailing calls echo through the night air on isolated islands, earning them nicknames like “ghost birds” or “souls of the sea” among sailors and islanders.