About Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters

Overview

Procellariiformes are the tubenoses: albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and storm-petrels, a great order of 149 seabirds of all oceans. They have tubular nostrils, a salt-excreting gland and long, narrow wings built for dynamic soaring over the open sea. Many undertake immense migrations and some, such as the wandering albatross, have the largest wingspans of any bird. They are vital indicators of ocean health but are highly threatened by fisheries bycatch.

Classification

The order Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters (Latin: PROCELLARIIFORMES) comprises 4 families and roughly 149 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Procellariiformes are the tubenoses: albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and storm-petrels, a great order of 149 seabirds of all oceans.

Notable Families

Petrels, Shearwaters, Diving Petrels, Albatrosses, Northern Storm Petrels, Austral Storm Petrels and others.