Elliot's Storm-Petrel
NameElliot's Storm-Petrel
Common NameElliot's Storm-Petrel
Scientific NameOceanites gracilis
FamilyOceanitidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)26.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly sooty brown to blackish, with a prominent white patch on the flanks that extends onto the undertail coverts. The underwings are dark.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, Elliot's Storm-Petrels produce soft purring or churring notes at their breeding colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the coasts of Peru and Chile north to the Galápagos Islands.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark sooty plumage, Prominent white flank patch, Short, square tail, Buoyant, fluttering flight, Pattering on water surface while feeding
Description
Elliot's Storm-Petrel is a small, dark seabird characterized by its distinctive white flank patches. It forages by pattering on the water surface, often in areas of upwelling, feeding on small marine invertebrates and fish.
