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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.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Gull-like Birds
Conservation
Low 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
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.
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