Vanuatu_petrel
Vanuatu petrel
Species of bird
The Vanuatu petrel or Falla's petrel (Pterodroma occulta) is a species of gadfly petrel. This little-known seabird was first scientifically described in 2001 based on six specimens taken in 1927 off Merelava, Vanuatu, and a single bird found ashore in 1983 in New South Wales, Australia.[1] The first confirmed breeding locality was only discovered in 2009 on the island of Vanua Lava, Vanuatu, but based on reports by locals it is supposed to also breed on Merelava.[2] The IUCN has not recognized the Vanuatu petrel as a species, but maintain that it as a subspecies of the very similar white-necked petrel, P. cervicalis, with the "combined" species considered vulnerable.
The alternate name commemorates Robert Falla, a New Zealand ornithologist.