Hydrobates pelagicus
The European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) is the smallest seabird in the North Atlantic, a diminutive master of the open ocean. Averaging 13-16 cm in length with a wingspan of 36-39 cm and weighing a mere 23-29 grams, its sooty-black plumage is broken only by a striking white rump and white undertail coverts, making it instantly recognizable. Its short, square-tipped tail is another key field mark, distinguishing it from other storm petrels. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Hydr...
Primarily a pelagic species, the European Storm Petrel spends almost its entire life at sea, often far from land. It only comes ashore to breed, nesting in burrows, rock crevices, or under boulders on remote, predator-free islands and coastal cliffs at sea level.
The diet of the European Storm Petrel primarily consists of small crustaceans (such as copepods and amphipods), fish fry, small cephalopods, and other zooplankton snatched from the ocean surface. They are also known to scavenge on oily substances, carrion, and offal disturbed by fishing boats or ...
At sea, European Storm Petrels are diurnal, foraging by day, but become strictly nocturnal when ashore at their breeding colonies to avoid avian predators such as gulls and skuas. Their distinctive foraging technique involves a light, fluttering flight, 'walking' or pattering across the wave surf...
The European Storm Petrel's breeding range encompasses islands and remote coastal areas across the eastern North Atlantic and parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Key breeding strongholds include Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the British Isles (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England), France, Portugal, Spain...
Least Concern
- Known as "Mother Carey's Chickens" by sailors, believed to foretell storms. - They possess a unique musky, oily scent, particularly noticeable at their breeding colonies. - Despite their tiny size, they can live for over 30 years in the wild. - Their characteristic flight involves "walking" or ...