The White-Breasted Petrels of Southern Australian Waters

Abstract

Many beach-washed white-breasted petrels were found in November 1969. Some could not be separated as Puffinis gavia or P. huttoni. Skins were sent to Mr F. C. Kinsky who found that some specimens of P. gavia had bills that were longer than expected. Skins from Australian museums were then examined, in all 45 gavia and eight huttoni. Two specimens collected in 1939 are reviewed. P. gavia is shown to be the most common white-breasted petrel in South Australian waters; P. huttoni occurs in much smaller numbers than supposed.