Diving-Petrels: Pelecanoididae

Diving-petrels live in the waters of the Southern Hemisphere. Although they prefer shallow coastal waters, they have been sighted offshore as well.

Peruvian and Magellan diving-petrels live in South American waters, while the common and South Georgian species are circumpolar, living at both the North and South Poles.

Diving-petrels prefer the colder temperatures of the ocean waters. They breed on oceanic islands and do not stray far from breeding sites.

Diving-petrels get their name from their habit of diving for their food, mainly small fish and crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. They use their wings to propel themselves under water toward their food. Once their prey is caught, the diving-petrels use their wings to push themselves toward the waters' surface and directly back into the air.

Except for the Peruvian diving-petrel, these birds are not threatened. The Peruvian diving-petrel is Endangered, facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild, due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction.