Diving Petrels [Pelecanoididae]

Description

Pelecanoididae, or diving petrels, are small to medium-sized seabirds resembling auks. They have a robust body, short wings, and a short tail, adaptations that enable them to dive and propel themselves underwater using their wings. They are found in the Southern Hemisphere's cold waters, where they feed primarily on krill and small fish. Diving petrels are unique among Procellariiformes for their ability to dive from the air directly into the water. They breed in colonies, laying their eggs in burrows dug into soft soil or in crevices among rocks.

Genera

Taxonomy