Least Storm-Petrel
NameLeast Storm-Petrel
Common NameLeast Storm-Petrel
Scientific NameHydrobates microsoma
FamilyHydrobatidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)23.5
Plumage DetailsUniformly dark sooty-brown plumage, appearing almost black. It has a faint pale diagonal bar on the upperwing coverts, which can be difficult to discern.
Vocalization / CallSoft, purring or chirping calls, primarily heard at night on breeding colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on islands off Baja California and in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Disperses widely in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging north to southern California and south to Ecuador.
Identifying FeaturesSmallest storm-petrel species, All dark, sooty-brown plumage, Short, slightly forked tail (often appears square), Erratic, butterfly-like flight close to the water, Faint pale diagonal bar on upperwing
Description
The Least Storm-Petrel is the smallest storm-petrel, characterized by its entirely dark plumage and distinctive, erratic flight low over the ocean surface. It forages for small marine organisms, often pattering its feet on the water while in flight.
