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 (See the Cahow Recovery Programme).
More information about the Cahow and most recent results of the Cahow Recovery Program can be found in the Cahow Recovery Program Breeding Season Report for 2011 - 2012.
Cahow chick 'Somers' was born on Nonsuch Island in 2009
Exercising Cahow fledgling in front of nest entrance
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:
- 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
- Cahow Breeding Season Report 2011 - 2012
- Cahow Breeding Season Report 2010-2011
- Cahow Breeding Season Report 2009-2010
- Cahow Recovery Programme
Printable Information Sheet about the Cahow Recovery Project
