Markham's Storm-Petrel
NameMarkham's Storm-Petrel
Common NameMarkham's Storm-Petrel
Scientific NameHydrobates markhami
FamilyHydrobatidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is uniformly sooty-brown to blackish, appearing entirely dark at sea. There may be a faint paler bar visible on the upperwing in some individuals, but generally, it lacks distinct markings.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, Markham's Storm-Petrels vocalize at their breeding colonies with soft, purring or churring notes, often given in flight or from burrows.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds on arid islands and coastal deserts off Peru and northern Chile. At sea, its range extends throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Ecuador south along the coasts of Peru and Chile.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Entirely dark plumage, Long, pointed wings, Deeply forked tail (often difficult to observe at sea), Erratic, butterfly-like flight pattern
Description
Markham's Storm-Petrel is a small, dark seabird known for its graceful, erratic flight low over the open ocean. It feeds by dipping its bill to snatch prey from the water's surface while in flight. This species is largely pelagic, only coming ashore to breed.
