Black-capped Petrel
NameBlack-capped Petrel
Common NameBlack-capped Petrel
Scientific NamePterodroma hasitata
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)100
Length (cm)39
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsThis petrel has a dark brown to black cap that extends below the eye, contrasting sharply with a white nape and collar. Its upperparts are dark brown/black, often showing a pale 'M' pattern across the wings in flight, while its underparts are entirely white. The bill is black.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but at breeding colonies, they produce a variety of calls, including a distinctive 'pi-ti-ti' or 'ka-ka-ka' sound, often described as mournful or wailing, especially during nocturnal activity.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, mountain
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeBreeds on a few Caribbean islands, primarily Hispaniola, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. It forages widely in the western North Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Caribbean north to the eastern U.S. coast and occasionally to Canada, and east into the central Atlantic.
Identifying FeaturesBlack cap contrasting with white nape and collar, Dark upperparts with a pale 'M' pattern on wings in flight, White underparts, Long, narrow wings, Buoyant and erratic flight over the ocean
Description
The Black-capped Petrel is a medium-sized seabird known for its distinctive dark cap and white nape. It spends most of its life soaring over the open ocean, returning to remote Caribbean islands to breed in burrows on forested mountain slopes.
