Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)

Abstract

The Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), also known as "Diablotin" ("the little devil") in the Caribbean, is an endangered seabird with an estimated population of ~1,000 breeding pairs. Historically widespread across at least six Caribbean islands, its range and numbers declined sharply due to overharvesting and the introduction of mammalian predators. Today, confirmed breeding is restricted to Hispaniola, with suspected colonies in Cuba and other islands. At sea, its primary range spans the Gulf Stream from North Carolina to Florida and parts of the southern Caribbean. Major threats include habitat loss, predation, light attraction, and marine pollutants like mercury and plastics. Conservation efforts, initiated in 2008, include a unified action plan and ongoing studies of its ecology and taxonomy, including the intriguing plumage variations within the species. The Black-capped Petrel embodies resilience and mystery, linking diverse habitats and cultures across its range while presenting significant challenges to its conservation.