What do procellariiform birds eat at sea?

Procellariiform birds, which include shearwaters, storm petrels, diving petrels, and albatrosses, utilize various feeding strategies while at sea to consume a diverse range of marine organisms.1

Their diet typically includes:

• Fish and Crustaceans: Many species, such as shearwaters and storm petrels, feed on small fish and crustaceans found near the surface, occasionally making short dives to capture them. During the day, larger species like albatrosses and fulmars often target schooling fish.1
• Squid: Many larger procellariids consume significant amounts of squid, which these birds often hunt at night when the squid rise to the surface.1
• Carrion and Scavenged Material: These birds are opportunistic feeders. They consume carrion, including the flesh of dead whales and other cetaceans, as well as wounded, exhausted, or dead birds. They also frequently scavenge garbage discarded from ships.1
• Predation: The giant petrel is notably agile and may attack young penguins at nesting grounds if they are inadequately guarded.1