Scientists announce discovery of new species of seabird, the first in 89 years

From photographs taken by noted ornithologist Peter Harrison and reports by members of a five-member multinational expedition, bird watchers are following what for them is the event of a lifetime: the discovery of a new species of seabird.

The existence of the sparrow-sized black and white species of storm petrel was confirmed in February near the coastal community of Puerto Montt, Chile, according to Harrison, who is scheduled to announce the find Friday evening during a banquet ceremony in San Diego hosted by the San Diego Bird Festival/Audubon California Assembly, a gathering of birders and conservationists.

“This is the first new species of storm petrel discovered in 89 years, and the first new species of seabird discovered in 55 years –- and if we had won the lottery we could not feel better," Harrison said in an interview 

“We believe this is a relic population that was completely missed by Darwin himself, who sailed along that very coast a century ago,” Harrison said.

“And guess what? There are thousands of them in that area, which is plied by cruise ships, cargo vessels and fishing boats, all within sight of crowded beaches.”

Researchers at the University of Chile in Santiago are analyzing collected blood samples and feathers to learn more about the birds, where they breed and if they migrate to wintering grounds elsewhere.

“Important discoveries usually happen in remote places like Borneo or the Amazon forests,” said Garry George, chapter network director for Audubon California.

“Not this time," he said. "This bird has been under everyone’s noses in a popular area for decades.”

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Photo: The existence of a sparrow-sized black and white species of storm petrel was confirmed in February near Puerto Montt, Chile. Credit: Peter Harrison / Lynx Seabirds Handbook Project

Comments

[Tom]

What an exciting find for the ornithologists. Man..... the find of a lifetime really

[JD]

Wonder how they'll taste.

I've pretty much given up on sea birds though, the plastic in their system is hard to digest and gives me the worst stomach aches afterward.
Remember folks, always think twice before eating something that lives in close proximity to human pollution.

Also I cannot help but wonder, for every new species discovered, how many go extinct? I am reminded of cars: As the years pass, older models become obsolete and cannot be seen on the road, but can be seen in museums where they no longer move.

[Get Planted]

I wonder if this species just recently evolved. Evolution can proceed quite rapidly at times.

[Avsec B]

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OBAMA = STALIN = BUSH…USA = USSR....WHO, WHY, AND HOW RUINED YOU…FROM 911 TO AUSTRALIAN FLOODS – ARIZONA SHOOTING – WIKILEAKS is CIA - ESKIMO SARAH PALIN'S "BRIDGE TO NOWHERE" -- LEARN ABOUT REAL HUMAN FLASH EATING MACHINE OR SO CALLED ECONOMY - BREAST FEEDING INSANITY -- CIVIL RIOTS IN ARAB COUNTRIES - NEWS/MEDIA or simply CENSORSHIP AND BIG FAT WORLD OF LIES !!??? - NEW WORLD ORDER POLITICAL PARTIES(REPUBLICANS = DEMOCRATS) http://bostjanavsec1.blogspot.com/

[TR]

I think he means "relict"