Hydrobates jabejabe
The Cape Verde Storm Petrel (*Hydrobates jabejabe*) is a small, enigmatic seabird endemic to the remote Cape Verde archipelago in the eastern Atlantic. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm in length with a wingspan of 44-48 cm, its plumage is predominantly sooty brownish-black, punctuated by a conspicuous white rump patch that is a key identification mark. Unlike many storm petrels, its tail is noticeably forked, a feature that helps distinguish it from more rounded-tailed relatives. Taxonomicall...
Primarily pelagic, spending the majority of its life over open ocean waters. It breeds exclusively on remote, predator-free offshore islets and islands within the Cape Verde archipelago, nesting in rock crevices or self-dug burrows.
Feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans (especially larval forms), and cephalopods, often taking items brought to the surface by currents or larger marine predators. It employs a distinctive surface-feeding technique, hovering and dipping to seize prey.
Cape Verde Storm Petrels are largely nocturnal on their breeding grounds, a crucial adaptation to minimize predation by gulls and other opportunistic predators, though they are diurnal at sea. Their unique foraging strategy involves 'pattering' their feet on the water's surface while hovering or ...
The Cape Verde Storm Petrel is an endemic breeder solely within the Cape Verde Islands, an archipelago located in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. Breeding colonies have been confirmed on several islands including Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Branco, Raso, São Vi...
Least Concern
- It is strictly endemic to the Cape Verde archipelago, making it a unique island species found nowhere else. - Visits its breeding colonies only at night to avoid avian predators like gulls and raptors, adding to its mysterious nature. - Its distinctive long, forked tail is a key feature disting...