At a Glance

This rather mysterious seabird, nesting on a few islands in the South Pacific, was not described to science until 1949. Not until the late 1980s was it learned that Murphy's Petrel may be a regular visitor far off the west coast of North America, mainly in late spring. Most sightings are more than 40 miles offshore.
Category
Gull-like Birds
Conservation
Near Threatened
Habitat
Open Ocean
Population
270.000

Range & Identification

Description

15.5" A fast-flying seabird, found far off the Pacific Coast. Mostly dark brownish gray. Has a pale flash on underside of wingtip, some whitish on throat and around base of bill. Shorter, thicker bill than shearwaters. Compare to dark morph Northern Fulmar.
Size
About the size of a Crow
Tail Shape
Pointed, Rounded, Wedge-shaped

Songs and Calls

Generally silent at sea. Accelerating boo or hoo calls similar to a Boreal Owl, gull-like cry, and long undulating hoots.
Call Type
Hoot

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status