Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel
Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel
Hydrobates tethys
At a Glance
Nesting on islands off the west coast of South America, this bird wanders widely in offshore waters of the eastern Pacific. A few individuals have been known to stray as far north as California. The race of this species breeding in the Galapagos is the only storm-petrel that regularly visits its nesting colonies by day.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Gull-like Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Open Ocean
Range & Identification
Description
6" Very rare off the Pacific Coast. A very small black storm-petrel, flying with relatively deep wingbeats. Elongated white rump patch may appear to cover most of the tail.
Size
About the size of a Robin, About the size of a Sparrow
Tail Shape
Notched, Short, Square-tipped
Songs and Calls
Makes sharp, squeaky notes at sea that are rarely heard. At breeding colonies makes twittering and purring notes.
Sign up for Audubon's newsletter to learn more about birds like the Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel