Birds diurnal

Pintado Petrel

Daption capense

Meet the 'Cape Pigeon' of the southern seas, a bold voyager famous for its striking checkerboard wings and fearless attitude. Whether following ships or nesting on icy cliffs, the Pintado Petrel is a true icon of the Southern Ocean.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length: 35–42 cm (14–17 in); Wingspan: 80–91 cm (31–36 in); Weight: 430–480 g (15–17 oz)

palette

Colors

Bold black and white 'checkerboard' pattern on the back and wings; solid sooty-black head; white underparts; black bill and feet. Both sexes share identical plumage.

visibility

Key Features

Distinctive black-and-white mottled 'checkerboard' upperparts
Sooty-black head and throat contrasting with white breast
Two large white patches on the upper surface of each wing
Square tail with a prominent black terminal band

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; most active during daylight hours while foraging.

calendar_month

Season November to March (Southern Hemisphere summer during breeding)

restaurant

Diet A versatile scavenger and hunter that feeds on Antarctic krill, small fish, squid, and carrion. They are also well-known for following fishing vessels to consume discarded offal.

park

Habitat Pelagic (open ocean) throughout the Southern Hemisphere, but nests on rugged coastal cliffs and rocky islands in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

Pintado Petrels, affectionately known by sailors as 'Cape Pigeons,' are among the most social and gregarious seabirds of the Southern Ocean. They are famously bold, frequently following ships for miles to scavenge scraps from the wake or feed on organisms churned up by propellers. In the water, they often gather in large, floating groups called 'rafts,' where they engage in noisy, chattering social interactions.

These birds are surprisingly aggressive when it comes to food. During feeding frenzies, they emit a high-pitched cackling sound and will fiercely defend a find against other birds. When threatened at their nesting sites on rocky cliffs, they utilize a unique defense mechanism common to the petrel family: spitting a foul-smelling, orange stomach oil at intruders. Despite this feisty nature, they are graceful flyers, alternating between rapid wingbeats and long, elegant glides close to the ocean surface.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

Capturing a Pintado Petrel on an AI-powered camera requires a specific coastal strategy, as these birds are rarely found far from the spray of the ocean. If you are located in a coastal region of the Southern Hemisphere—such as the southern coasts of New Zealand, Australia, or South America—position your camera on a high vantage point overlooking the sea. Coastal cliffs, rocky outcroppings, or even a sturdy pier are ideal. Because these birds are drawn to the movement of the water, an angle that captures both the horizon and the immediate shoreline is most effective.

One of the best ways to lure a Pintado Petrel into range is to take advantage of their scavenging nature. If local regulations allow, placing a small amount of fresh fish scraps on a flat, rocky ledge can attract them for a close-up 'portrait.' Set your camera at a height of 2 to 4 feet, angled slightly downward. Be extremely mindful of the environment; use a weather-sealed camera housing or a protective 'hide' to shield your gear from the corrosive effects of salt spray, which can damage standard electronics within hours.

For the best visual results, focus on the 'golden hours' of the early morning and late afternoon. The low-angle sunlight highlights the intricate white patches on their wings, which can otherwise look washed out in the harsh midday sun. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or a high-speed shutter setting; Pintado Petrels are incredibly fast and erratic in flight, and a standard single-shot trigger may only capture a blurred wing or a tail. Using a camera with a wide-angle lens can also help capture the bird in the context of its dramatic oceanic environment.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Pintado Petrel.

Southern Giant Petrel

Much larger with a massive, pale-colored bill and lacks the distinct checkerboard pattern on the wings.

Antarctic Fulmar

Has a more uniform silvery-grey upperpart and lacks the bold black-and-white mottling of the Pintado Petrel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pintado Petrels are diurnal birds, meaning they are most active during the day. They are particularly busy foraging during the early morning and late afternoon when light conditions make it easier to spot prey near the water's surface.

Since Pintado Petrels are pelagic seabirds, they will not visit inland backyards. However, if you live directly on a southern coastline, you can attract them by providing a clear rocky ledge for them to land on, especially near areas where fishing activity is common.

Their diet is diverse, consisting mainly of krill, small squid, and fish. They are also opportunistic scavengers that thrive on offal from fishing boats and will readily feed on animal carcasses floating at sea.

No, they are strictly maritime birds. They are only seen near human settlements if those settlements are located on the rugged, southern coastlines of continents like South America, Africa, or Oceania.

The easiest way to identify them is by their 'checkerboard' back. Their wings and back are covered in a high-contrast black and white mottled pattern that is unique among petrels and visible even from a distance.

Record Pintado Petrel at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo