White-faced Storm-Petrel
NameWhite-faced Storm-Petrel
Common NameWhite-faced Storm-Petrel
Scientific NamePelagodroma marina
FamilyOceanitidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsDark brown upperparts, white underparts, white forehead and cheeks, with a prominent dark eye-stripe extending from the bill to behind the eye. The crown and nape are dark grey, and there is a distinct white rump patch. It has a dark bill and legs.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent when at sea, but at breeding colonies, it produces soft purring, churring, or twittering calls, often heard at night.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on oceanic islands in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, primarily within the Southern Hemisphere. It disperses widely across these oceans outside the breeding season.
Identifying Featureswhite face with dark eye-stripe, dark brown upperparts, white underparts, white rump patch, distinctive 'walking on water' foraging style
Description
This small seabird is characterized by its dark brown upperparts and striking white underparts, complemented by a distinctive white face with a dark eye-stripe. It is known for its unique foraging behavior, appearing to 'walk' on the surface of the water as it picks prey.
