Other seabirds
Cape Petrel (Daption capense)
Conservation Status: Not listed (EPBC)
Macquarie Island population: <30 breeding pairs on main island (potentially more on offshore stacks)
Approx global population: Unknown (est. one million pairs)
The cape petrel is an easily identified medium sized petrel, with a dappled back and white pattern across its upperparts and white underwing and body. They are circumpolar in range and are widely distributed throughout the Antarctic and subantarctic. On Macquarie Island they breed in loose colonies on North Head and rock stacks off the main island. Pairs lay one egg in November/December in nests constructed in a scrape of stones and gravel. Chicks fledge in late February. Both sexes share incubation and chick rearing. Their diet comprises cephalopods, crustaceans and fish.
Macquarie Island Shag (Phalacrocorax albiventer purpurascens)
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (EPBC)
Macquarie Island population: ~800-1000 breeding pairs
The Macquarie Island shag is endemic to Macquarie Island and one of seven subspecies of the Imperial Shag. They breed in colonies on coastal rock stacks around Macquarie Island and on Bishop and Clerk Islets (33km south). They lay one-three eggs in nests constructed using vegetation collected from nearby slopes.
Antarctic Tern (Sterna vittata bethunei)
Conservation Status: Endangered (EPBC)
Macquarie Island population: ~5-200 pairs
Approx global population: Unknown
Antarctic terns breed in low numbers singularly or in small colonies on rock stacks and beaches around the island. The species on Macquarie Island is also found on NZ sub-Antarctic islands and is one of six subspecies. They lay one-two eggs which are incubated by both sexes. Chicks fledge approximately 25 days after hatching. Terns feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans. This species has high nest failure often due to storms, and predation.
Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)
Conservation status: Not listed (EPBC)
Macquarie Island population: Unknown
Approx global population: Unknown (est 180,000-1.2 mill)
The pacific black duck is resident on the island year round and is known to have hybridised with the exotic Mallard species. Ducks are found in coastal areas, often laying eggs in thick tussock to avoid predation. Due to their cryptic nature, it is difficult to estimate the population size.