Procellariidae — the petrels, prions, and shearwaters

Distinctive characteristics

Members of Procellariidae share several anatomical and physiological adaptations to marine life. Like other members of the order Procellariiformes, they have tubular nostrils or "tubenoses" (tubenoses) that help with olfaction and handling salty seawater. They produce a calorie-dense stomach oil used to feed chicks and as a defensive spray against predators. Most species are long-lived, have strong site fidelity to breeding colonies, and lay a single egg per season.

Behavior, diet and reproduction

Procellariids forage for fish, squid and crustaceans, using techniques from surface seizing to plunge-diving and dynamic soaring. Many undertake extensive migrations between breeding and feeding areas. Breeding colonies are typically on remote islands or cliff faces; pairs are often monogamous and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Reproductive rates are slow, which makes populations vulnerable to increased adult mortality.

Taxonomy and relationships

The family includes several familiar groups: fulmarine petrels, gadfly petrels, prions and the various shearwaters. They are closely related to other tubenoses, such as the albatrosses (albatrosses), storm-petrels and diving petrels, which together form the order Procellariiformes. Classifications vary as research refines species limits and relationships.

Conservation and notable facts

Procellariids face threats from introduced predators at breeding sites, bycatch in fisheries, pollution and habitat disturbance. Many species are considered at risk and benefit from conservation actions like predator eradication, protected nesting areas and fisheries mitigation. Their wide-ranging habits make them indicators of ocean health and subjects of long-term ecological study.

Further reading

• General family overviews and species lists: Procellariidae resources
• Seabird ecology and conservation: Seabirds
• Order-level information: Procellariiformes
• Anatomy and adaptations: Tubenose adaptations
• Related groups and comparisons: Albatrosses and allies