Kermadec Petrel

Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta) is a polymorphic gadfly petrel whose plumage ranges from pale to dark, with pale primary shafts often visible in the upperwing. Body shape, bill structure, plumage pattern and voice provide the strongest field characters. Age, sex and season may alter its appearance, so identification should combine several features and careful direct field comparisons with similar species in the same habitat (Wikipedia, general species account).

It ranges over tropical and subtropical Pacific waters, feeds on squid, fish and crustaceans and breeds on remote islands in ground burrows or sheltered cavities. Its movements and social behaviour vary through the year, with breeding birds generally more dispersed and non-breeding birds gathering where food is concentrated. Japanese records place it within the country's documented avifauna as a resident, migrant or visitor (Wikipedia, general species account; Wildlife of Japan occurrence records).