These are stocky petrels, quite large, length 51-54cm (22 inches) with a 147 cm (58 inch) wingspan. Plumage is dark glossy black with a variable white chin and upper throat and a large pale bill. Wingbeats are strong with long curving glides like an albatross.

On the Falklands there are small breeding populations; on Kidney Island where they nest beneath tussac, and on New Island where they breed beneath heathland. White-chinned petrels return from the sea mid October, and lay a single egg in a burrow up to 2m (6 ft) deep. Young hatch mid January and follow adults to sea in late April/May. They are always present in Falklands waters.

White-chinned petrels breed on South Georgia, Prince Edward Island, Marion, Crozet and Kerguelen Islands.

Falkland Diving petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix berard

These tiny (21.5cm, 8.5 inches) diving petrels are widely distributed on off-shore islands in the Falklands. Like other ground nesting birds they are susceptible to the introduction of cats and rodents. Diving petrels are small, and stocky with short necks and small wings. They make a distinctive whirring flight low over the sea surface, glide, and plunge under water.
Falklands diving petrels return to breeding sites early September to lay in late October/ early November. They nest in burrows in varying habitats, predominantly at the base of tussac pedestals,  but occasionally on low coastal heathland, or steep clay slopes. Young fledge in mid- February. These petrels have been sighted near breeding grounds in mid-winter suggesting they remain close to the islands even in winter.

Sources include: Falkland Islands State of the Environment Report 2008 Otley H, Munro G, Clausen A, Ingham B. A Field Guide to the Wildlife of The Falkland Islands and South Georgia - Ian J Strange, Guide to Birds of the Falkland Islands- Robin W. Woods.

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