Biology

The grey petrel breeds in colonies, making its nest in burrows (8). The breeding ecology of this little understood, winter breeding bird was studied on the Kerguelen Archipelago, where adults were recorded to mate in February (9). A single egg would be laid in early April, and hatching took place in late May to early June (9). The fledging period of 120 to 160 days is the longest known among the petrels, with a long fledging period being particularly associated with southern winter breeding species (9). Grey petrels forage in sub-Antarctic waters for squid, fish and crustaceans (6), and can dive to depths of up to 10 m by using their wings underwater (7). With an ability to dive so deep, these inquisitive birds are particularly attracted to food scraps around fishing boats (7).