The Bermuda Petrel (Pterodroma cahow)
Commonly referred to as the Cahow, this is Bermuda's National Bird. It is a pelagic seabird, which means it spends most of its life out on the open ocean. They feed on small squid, fish and shrimp.
The Cahow was believed to be extinct for nearly 300 years until several were found in 1951. Since that time, dedicated conservationists have worked to bring this species back from the brink of extinction.
A Species Recovery Plan for the Cahow was written in 2005, it can be downloaded here.
Photo by Chris Burville
'Somers', the first Cahow chick born on Nonsuch Island since 1620
A short clip of an adult Cahow (Bermuda Petrel) being removed from his burrow for weighing and a check of his identification band. This bird is the father of Somers, the Cahow chick that made headlines in 2009 as the first to be born on Nonsuch Island in over 300 years.
Learn More:
Bermuda Government press release on the birth of the first Cahow chick on Nonsuch Island since 1620.
The Fabled Cahow by Dr. David Wingate
Department of Conservation Services Press Release: Cahow Population Reaches 101 Pairs for the First Time Since the 1600's. March 23rd 2012.
Related Research:
Most recent breeding season report: 2018/2019. Reports from past seasons available on the project page.
Jeremy Madeiros, Nicholas Carlile and David Priddel. Breeding biology and population increase of the Endangered Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow. Bird Conservation International, Available on Cambridge Journals Online 2012 doi:10.1017/S0959270911000396
Nicholas Carlile, David Priddel and Jeremy Madeiros. Establishment of a new, secure colony of Endangered Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow by translocation of near-fledged nestlings. Bird Conservation International, Available on Cambridge Journals Online 2012 doi:10.1017/S0959270911000372