Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea discovered breeding on Gough Island

A breeding colony of Blue Petrels (Halobaena caerulea) has been discovered on Gough Island, extending their known range 700 km northward to 40° S. This finding challenges the previously understood latitudinal distribution of this species, which was thought to breed only between 47° and 56° S. While the colony is located in a frequently visited area, it may have been overlooked rather than representing a recent range expansion. The study suggests that breeding on Gough Island occurs later than at more southern colonies, indicating potential differences in reproductive timing across their range.

Ryan, P. G., Dilley, B. J., Jones, C., & Bond, A. L. (2015). Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea discovered breeding on Gough Island. Ostrich, 86(1-2), 193–194. https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2015.1005558