Procellariiformes

Procellariiformes is an order of seabirds that includes albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, and storm-petrels. They are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea and returning to land primarily to breed on remote islands, cliffs, or coastal regions. These birds are adapted for long-distance flight and efficient ocean foraging, often covering vast oceanic areas in search of prey.

The order comprises five families: Diomedeidae (albatrosses), Procellariidae (petrels and shearwaters), Oceanitidae (southern or tropical storm-petrels), Hydrobatidae (northern storm-petrels), and Pelecanoididae (diving-petrels). A hallmark of Procellariiformes is the presence of tubular nostrils on their bills and well-developed salt glands, which excrete excess salt. Their olfactory capabilities are highly refined, aiding in locating prey over vast ocean expanses.

Diet varies by species but generally includes squid, fish, and crustaceans. Many members use dynamic soaring and flap-gliding flight to minimize energy expenditure while traversing the oceans. Most species are colonial and nest on remote islands or rugged coastlines, often in burrows, crevices, or simple ground nests. They typically lay a single egg per breeding attempt, with both parents incubating and feeding the chick over extended periods, reflecting their long lifespans and slow reproductive rates.

Conservation concerns are significant for many Procellariiformes, driven primarily by bycatch in longline fisheries, introduced predators on breeding grounds, and habitat disturbance. Numerous species are listed under various threat categories, highlighting the need for targeted marine and island conservation measures.