Storm Petrel

Hydrobates pelagicus

A little bigger than a sparrow it appears all black with a white rump.

Its tail is not forked, unlike Leach’s petrel. In flight it flutters over the water, feeding with its wings held up in a ‘V’ with feet pattering across the waves. At sea it often feeds in flocks and will follow in the wake of ships, especially trawlers.

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Discover more about the Storm Petrel

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When to see

From May to September they spend their breeding season around the coast nesting in burrows in cliffs. The can be seen on their migration south in September and October.

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Where to see

They can be seen around the coat and Islands. Orkney and Shetland are known for their breeding sites, where you can see them fly into roost at night.

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Did you know?

They have an amazing sense of smell and use this to find fish whilst flying out on the open sea. They are known to pick mates through their sense of smell!

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Related species

Manx Shearwater

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

From May to September they spend their breeding season around the coast nesting in burrows in cliffs. The can be seen on their migration south in September and October.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can be seen around the coat and Islands. Orkney and Shetland are known for their breeding sites, where you can see them fly into roost at night.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They have an amazing sense of smell and use this to find fish whilst flying out on the open sea. They are known to pick mates through their sense of smell!

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Manx Shearwater

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

From May to September they spend their breeding season around the coast nesting in burrows in cliffs. The can be seen on their migration south in September and October.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can be seen around the coat and Islands. Orkney and Shetland are known for their breeding sites, where you can see them fly into roost at night.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They have an amazing sense of smell and use this to find fish whilst flying out on the open sea. They are known to pick mates through their sense of smell!

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Manx Shearwater