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common diving petrel
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Representative procellariiform birds in flight.
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common diving petrel

bird
Also known as: Pelecanoides urinatrix, Tristan diving petrel
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Quick Summary

Representative procellariiform birds in flight.
Representative procellariiform birds in flight.

The common diving petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) is one of five species of small seabirds belonging to the family Pelecanoididae, found in sub-Antarctic regions. These birds are short-winged and heavy-bodied, resembling the auks of the Northern Hemisphere due to convergent evolution. They use their wings for underwater propulsion, feeding on small fish and crustaceans near the surface with short dives. The common diving petrel is the smallest and most widespread species, measuring about 16 cm (6.5 inches) in length. Diving petrels are typically found in cool southern waters, including areas around Tristan da Cunha, the Falklands, New Zealand, and southeastern Australia.123

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. diving petrel
  2. procellariiform - Feeding habits
  3. procellariiform - Distribution
  4. petrel

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