The Polynesian Storm Petrel breeds on small Pacific islands. Its plumage ranges from light to dark, and it is thought to forage near breeding islands.
Its upperparts range from brown to black. A common plumage has a white rump band, a white bar across the wings, a white throat and belly; the wings are broad and rounded and the tail is forked.
Seven visits to Chile’s Motu Motiro Hiva (Salas y Gómez Island) in 2012–2024 recorded eggs or chicks during visits in August, September, and November. Twenty active nests were found in November 2024. Nesting cavities were concentrated in the eastern and southeastern parts of the island, in cavities and crevices in volcanic rock fields with almost no adjacent vegetation. Nests contained feathers and dry seaweed, as well as rope, fishing nets, and plastic fragments.
Plastic debris was found in all 15 stomachs examined from mummified carcasses collected near colonies on the island in 2012, 2014, and 2015.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.