black-capped petrel

The Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), also known as the "Diablotin," is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its dark cap, white nape, and contrasting dark upperparts with a white underside. It exhibits a distinctive flight pattern with swift, erratic movements, earning it the nickname "gadfly petrel." Primarily nocturnal at breeding sites, it nests in burrows or crevices on steep, forested mountain slopes. The species feeds mainly on squid and fish, capturing prey at the ocean surface. Once thought extinct due to habitat loss and hunting, remnant populations have been rediscovered, though they remain endangered. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect remaining habitats and mitigate threats to ensure the survival of this enigmatic seabird.