Petrel (noun)

1. A seabird of the family Procellariidae, typically having dark plumage and long narrow wings, which feed on fish and squid and are found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. Any of various seabirds of the family Procellariidae, having long narrow wings, hooked beaks, and typically dark plumage, and that feed on fish and squid.

Origin:

From old french pétrel, from latin petrus "rock, stone".

Examples:

1. The petrels were nesting on the cliffs.
2. The petrels followed the ship, feeding on the fish waste.
3. The storm-petrel is a small petrel that breeds on islands.
4. The wandering petrel is a circumpolar species.
5. The giant petrel is the largest of the petrel family.