A petrel, like any other bird, has the ability to fly vast distances in search of food. In fact, it is not uncommon for a petrel to range up to 200 km (120 mi) over the course of two or three days. This means that these birds are capable of covering a significant amount of ground in their quest for sustenance.
While petrels typically feed during the day, there are exceptions to this behavior. During the breeding season, petrels have been known to feed at night, especially when they are in close proximity to the shore. This nocturnal feeding behavior is likely driven by the availability of food sources during the night-time hours.
When it comes to their diet, petrels primarily feed on surface organisms. This includes small fish, squid, crustaceans, and jellyfish. These are the types of prey that can be found near the surface of the water, making them easily accessible for the petrels as they fly above.
It is worth noting that petrels are highly skilled and agile fliers. They have adapted to life on the water and in the air, with their long wings and streamlined bodies allowing them to navigate the skies with ease. This enables them to cover large distances in search of food without expending excessive amounts of energy.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to observe petrels in action during a research trip to a remote island. I was amazed by their ability to effortlessly soar through the air and cover vast distances in a short amount of time. It was fascinating to watch them dive and swoop down to the water’s surface to catch their prey.
To summarize, a petrel can fly up to 200 km (120 mi) over the course of two or three days in search of food. They are skilled fliers, capable of navigating both the air and water with ease. Their diet primarily consists of surface organisms such as small fish, squid, crustaceans, and jellyfish. While they typically feed during the day, petrels may also feed at night, particularly during the breeding season and when close to the shore.