White-bellied Storm-PetrelFregetta grallariaSmall black-and-white storm petrel. Note distinctive sooty black upperparts and white belly and rump. Breeds across the South Pacific, South Atlantic, and South Indian Oceans, migrating north into tropics after breeding. Can be seen pattering its feet on the surface of the water when feeding for small squid and crustaceans on the surface. Distinguished from other storm-petrels by shorter legs that extend to the end of or just beyond the tail in flight, as well as by lacking the smudgy black stripe that cuts down the belly of the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel.Oceanitidae bird family
Order Procellariiformes · 3 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
White-bellied Storm-PetrelFregetta grallariaSmall black-and-white storm petrel. Note distinctive sooty black upperparts and white belly and rump. Breeds across the South Pacific, South Atlantic, and South Indian Oceans, migrating north into tropics after breeding. Can be seen pattering its feet on the surface of the water when feeding for small squid and crustaceans on the surface. Distinguished from other storm-petrels by shorter legs that extend to the end of or just beyond the tail in flight, as well as by lacking the smudgy black stripe that cuts down the belly of the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel.White-bellied Storm-PetrelFregetta grallariaSmall black-and-white storm petrel. Note distinctive sooty black upperparts and white belly and rump. Breeds across the South Pacific, South Atlantic, and South Indian Oceans, migrating north into tropics after breeding. Can be seen pattering its feet on the surface of the water when feeding for small squid and crustaceans on the surface. Distinguished from other storm-petrels by shorter legs that extend to the end of or just beyond the tail in flight, as well as by lacking the smudgy black stripe that cuts down the belly of the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel.
Wilson's Storm-PetrelOceanites oceanicusSmall and fluttery. Dark blackish-brown overall with even-width white rump patch and conspicuous pale wing panels. Long legs extend past the tail in flight; difficult to spot unless close. Frequently hovers and patters feet on surface of water when feeding. Most often seen in small, loose groups; sometimes feeds or rests on the water in a dense flock. Eats plankton from the surface of the water. Vexed taxonomy might include several cryptic species. Breeds in Antarctica and islands in the southern oceans. Ranges across all oceans when not breeding, mainly from May to October, typically staying offshore but sometimes seen from land. Most common in North Atlantic.