Ōi / Grey-faced petrel

Endemic to the North Island ōi will mostly hunt squid, fish and crustaceans at night. It is thought they use light cues to spot bioluminescent prey, and they can travel up to 600km to feed their offspring. Town lights, however, disorientate these birds and result in crash landings. Once grounded, they are stuck as they're not suited to take off from the ground.

Ōi have made a comeback due to extensive predator control, but with over 75% of our indigenous species at risk of extinction*, the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance is raising funds to help defend these, and the many other special species of the Waitākere Ranges.

Thank you for your support of this awesome petrel!

*Extinction threat to indigenous species | Stats NZ.