A Christchurch based-expeditionary cruise company has gone out on a wing and declared the discovery of a hitherto unknown species of seabird.
Heritage Expeditions believes the bird seen on a cruise south of the Solomon Islands is a new discovery.
Dubbed the "Heritage Lava Petrel", the bird has "prominent white markings on both its upper and underwing, dark chocolate brown plumage and a massive bill."
The discovery is being claimed by ornithologists Chris Collins, Lisle Gwynn and Sav Saville, who are experts on board the Heritage Cruise vessel Spirit of Enderby.
![Heritage lava petrel: A fleeting glimpse of the possible new bird species. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/VMK3UYU53YDI42RG353NWRIVH4.jpg?auth=de4d86fac1a4861dfa71ae6042962b493cbc41bff02e07a813c979f957c96da8&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)