Bird GuideNorthern Storm-PetrelsWedge-rumped Storm-Petrel
Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel
Hydrobates tethys

At a Glance

Nesting on islands off the west coast of South America, this bird wanders widely in offshore waters of the eastern Pacific. A few individuals have been known to stray as far north as California. The race of this species breeding in the Galapagos is the only storm-petrel that regularly visits its nesting colonies by day.
Category
Gull-like Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Open Ocean

Range & Identification

Description

6" Very rare off the Pacific Coast. A very small black storm-petrel, flying with relatively deep wingbeats. Elongated white rump patch may appear to cover most of the tail.
Size
About the size of a Robin, About the size of a Sparrow
Tail Shape
Notched, Short, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

Makes sharp, squeaky notes at sea that are rarely heard. At breeding colonies makes twittering and purring notes.

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status