About the Vanuatu Petrel
The Vanuatu petrel or Falla's petrel is a species of gadfly petrel. This little-known seabird was first scientifically described in 2001 based on six specimens taken in 1927 off Merelava, Vanuatu, and a single bird found ashore in 1983 in New South Wales, Australia. The first confirmed breeding locality was only discovered in 2009 on the island of Vanua Lava, Vanuatu, but based on reports by locals it is supposed to also breed on Merelava. The IUCN has not recognized the Vanuatu petrel as a species, but maintain that it as a subspecies of the very similar white-necked petrel, P. cervicalis, with the "combined" species considered vulnerable.
Source: Wikipedia
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Shearwaters and Petrels (Procellariidae) |
| Species | Pterodroma occulta |
| Species Codes | venpet1, WNPE, VAPE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Vanuatu Petrel belong to?
The Vanuatu Petrel (Pterodroma occulta) belongs to the Shearwaters and Petrels family (Procellariidae), in the order Procellariiformes.
How can I identify the Vanuatu Petrel?
The Vanuatu petrel or Falla's petrel is a species of gadfly petrel. This little-known seabird was first scientifically described in 2001 based on six specimens taken in 1927 off Merelava, Vanuatu, and a single bird found ashore in 1983 in New South Wales, Australia. The first confirmed breeding loca...
Where can I report a Vanuatu Petrel sighting?
You can log sightings of Vanuatu Petrel on eBird (ebird.org) using species code venpet1, or on iNaturalist.
