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Aves - Neognathae - Procellariiformes - Hydrobatidae - Oceanites - Oceanites oceanicus

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Oceanites oceanicus (Wilson's Petrel)

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Species Description
Wilson’s Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is one of the most populous species of bird in the world, with an estimated thirty million individuals. Wilson’s Petrel is a small bird. It is 16 to 18.5 cm in length and has a wingspan of 38 to 42 cm long. Wilson’s Petrel is dark brown, except for a white tail section. This bird breeds on the Antarctic coast line. Each female lays one white egg, and the birds remain nocturnal during the breeding season to protect the young and avoid predation. During the winter time, Petrels migrate to the northern sections of the Southern Hemisphere, near the Equator. Wilson’s Petrels are much more readily found in the Atlantic Ocean than the Pacific. Petrels have limited walking ability, but can patter over water and catch planktonic food material from the top of the water.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)	Right Humerus (Right Upper Arm Bone)	Left Humerus (Left Upper Arm Bone)

External Links
Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia