Definition & Meaning of "petrel"

What is a "petrel"?

A petrel is a seabird known for its remarkable adaptations to oceanic life. With its streamlined body, long wings, and powerful flight, the petrel effortlessly glides over the open seas, venturing far from land in search of food. These birds have unique tubular nostrils that enable them to excrete excess salt from their bodies, allowing them to drink seawater and extract the necessary moisture from their food. Petrels are skilled hunters, preying on small fish, squid, and krill near the ocean's surface. They often congregate in large colonies on remote islands, where they nest in burrows or crevices to protect their eggs and chicks from predators. Despite their incredible navigational abilities and endurance, petrels face threats such as overfishing and pollution, which pose challenges to their survival.