While our mountain retreat offers breathtaking views and an abundance of incredible birdlife, today’s feathered friend takes us on a journey far beyond the treetops and into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Buckle up, birders, because we’re meeting the Tahiti Petrel, a seabird that graces Costa Rican waters despite its name!

A Traveler at Heart: Range and Habitat

The Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata) is a medium-sized, dark brown and white wonder of the sea. Though named after the island of Tahiti, this pelagic (open-ocean) bird has a vast range across the tropical and subtropical waters of the South Pacific Ocean. They are most commonly spotted far offshore, but occasionally venture into Costa Rican waters, especially during their non-breeding season.

These birds are true wanderers, spending most of their lives soaring above the waves. While sightings are uncommon from our mountain retreat, if you ever find yourself on a Costa Rican coastal adventure, keep your eyes peeled for the Tahiti Petrel – a fleeting glimpse of this magnificent creature is a birding memory to cherish.

A Look Closer: Description and Identification

Standing out at sea can be tricky, but the Tahiti Petrel has a distinctive look that helps it stand out from the crowd. Here’s what to look for:

• Size and Shape: Imagine a medium-sized bird with a wingspan reaching up to 104.5 cm (41 inches). Their bodies are dark brown with a white underbelly, giving them a classic seabird contrast. They have a wedge-shaped tail, long wings and neck, and a small head.
• Coloration: The key features lie in the details. Look for a darker brown hood on the head, contrasting with a paler rump. Their underwings have a faint white line along the center, and their flight feathers are slightly paler than their overall body color.
• Bill and Eyes: Their dark brown eyes pierce through the ocean spray, while their bill is a distinctive feature – black, stout, and bulbous.

Spotting a Tahiti Petrel can be challenging, but with its unique combination of size, shape, and coloration, birders with a keen eye might be lucky enough to snag a glimpse.

A Life Less Ordinary: Diet and Behavior

Life on the open ocean demands a specialized diet, and the Tahiti Petrel is no exception. These birds are scavengers, feeding primarily on dead squid that they snatch from the surface of the water. They are often seen flying solo, but can sometimes form loose flocks while feeding, or even join feeding frenzies with other seabird species.

An interesting behavior to note is their association with surfacing pilot whales. While the exact reason for this remains unclear, some scientists believe the petrels might be scavenging scraps left behind by the whales’ feeding activities.

A Species of Concern: Conservation Status

The Tahiti Petrel is currently classified as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN Red List. While not yet critically endangered, their populations are decreasing due to several threats, including:

• Habitat Loss: Pollution and overfishing in the oceans directly impact the availability of their food sources.
• Predation: Introduced predators on nesting islands can devastate petrel populations.
• Light Pollution: Artificial lights can disorient birds during migration, leading to collisions with structures.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Tahiti Petrel and its habitat. These include reducing marine pollution, controlling invasive species on nesting islands, and raising awareness about the importance of healthy oceans.

A Glimpse of the Ocean from the Mountains

While the Tahiti Petrel might not be a resident of our mountain retreat, its presence in Costa Rican waters reminds us of the interconnectedness of our planet. The health of our oceans directly impacts the incredible biodiversity we find here, even high up in the mountains. So, the next time you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of our retreat, remember the Tahiti Petrel – a seafaring wonder that connects the mountains of Costa Rica to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica