National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
ainley's storm-petrel
Regions
MexicoCanadaNorway
Population
6,000
Habitat
Pelagic Waters and Remote Islands
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
25–40 grams (0.9–1.4... and 15–20 years in the wild
Regions
Mexico, Canada, Norway, United States of America, United States
The Ainley’s Storm-Petrel is a small, pelagic seabird closely related to the more well-known Leach’s Storm-Petrel. Adults measure approximately 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) in length, with a wingspan of around 16–17 inches (41–44 cm). This storm-petrel has a dark plumage, with grayish-brown wings and a slightly forked tail. It feeds on plankton, small fish, and squid, which it catches by skimming the ocean surface. Ainley’s Storm-Petrel is highly adapted to life at sea and spends most of its time over open waters, only coming to land to breed. Like other storm-petrels, it is a nocturnal breeder, nesting in burrows on remote islands.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
