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Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Hydrobatidae | [latin] Oceanites oceanicus | [UK] Wilsons Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite de Wilson | [DE] Buntfuss-Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño de Wilson | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste di Wilson | [NL] Wilson stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 38 cm
spanwidth max.: 59 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 19 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 59 days
fledging min.: 55 days
fledging max.: 65 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is a small storm-petrel with short, rounded wings and long legs projecting beyond the tail in flight. They are about 18 cm in length with a wing span of approximately 40 cm. Their upperparts are mostly black-brown except for a conspicuous white rump and a pale brown band showing across the greater wing-coverts. Their underside is mainly sooty-brown. Sexes similar to size and coloration.

Habitat

Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed

Other details

Wilson's storm-petrel are numerous and wide ranging. They migrate from their Antarctic breeding grounds to north of the Equator in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Few birds migrating north into the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their range overlaps with many other storm-petrel species. Very rae vagrant in Suriname.

Feeding

Wilson's storm petrel are gregarious at sea with flocks reaching several thousands at staging points during migration. They feed by running along the surface of the water with wings outstretched and bill (or their entire head) submerged in the water to scoop in their food, taking minutiae from the surface. They feed on crustacea (amphipods and Euphausia), cephalopods (squid), fish, offal, etc. The birds readily follow ships and attend trawlers, attracted by the left-overs, and cetaceans (whales, dolphins etc).

Conservation

This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 6,000,000 individuals (Fishpool and Evans 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Wilson's storm petrels breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year. Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December. Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May At nesting sites Wilson's storm-petrel are killed by skuas. Starvation, due to the blocking of the burrow by hard snow, is a cause of chick mortality.

Migration

Transequatorial migrant; spends off-season in middle latitudes of North Atlantic and North Indian Oceans. Also in Pacific, where less abundant. May move clockwise round Atlantic. Wilson's storm-petrel breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn; perhaps also at Peter, Bouvet, Heard, the Balleny Islands and islands off Graham Land. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year.
Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December (but about one month later at Heard and IlesKerguelen). Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Hydrobatidae | [latin] Oceanites oceanicus | [UK] Wilsons Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite de Wilson | [DE] Buntfuss-Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño de Wilson | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste di Wilson | [NL] Wilson stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 38 cm
spanwidth max.: 59 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 19 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 59 days
fledging min.: 55 days
fledging max.: 65 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is a small storm-petrel with short, rounded wings and long legs projecting beyond the tail in flight. They are about 18 cm in length with a wing span of approximately 40 cm. Their upperparts are mostly black-brown except for a conspicuous white rump and a pale brown band showing across the greater wing-coverts. Their underside is mainly sooty-brown. Sexes similar to size and coloration.

Habitat

Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed

Other details

Wilson's storm-petrel are numerous and wide ranging. They migrate from their Antarctic breeding grounds to north of the Equator in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Few birds migrating north into the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their range overlaps with many other storm-petrel species. Very rae vagrant in Suriname.

Feeding

Wilson's storm petrel are gregarious at sea with flocks reaching several thousands at staging points during migration. They feed by running along the surface of the water with wings outstretched and bill (or their entire head) submerged in the water to scoop in their food, taking minutiae from the surface. They feed on crustacea (amphipods and Euphausia), cephalopods (squid), fish, offal, etc. The birds readily follow ships and attend trawlers, attracted by the left-overs, and cetaceans (whales, dolphins etc).

Conservation

This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 6,000,000 individuals (Fishpool and Evans 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Wilson's storm petrels breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year. Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December. Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May At nesting sites Wilson's storm-petrel are killed by skuas. Starvation, due to the blocking of the burrow by hard snow, is a cause of chick mortality.

Migration

Transequatorial migrant; spends off-season in middle latitudes of North Atlantic and North Indian Oceans. Also in Pacific, where less abundant. May move clockwise round Atlantic. Wilson's storm-petrel breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn; perhaps also at Peter, Bouvet, Heard, the Balleny Islands and islands off Graham Land. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year.
Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December (but about one month later at Heard and IlesKerguelen). Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Hydrobatidae | [latin] Oceanites oceanicus | [UK] Wilsons Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite de Wilson | [DE] Buntfuss-Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño de Wilson | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste di Wilson | [NL] Wilson stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 38 cm
spanwidth max.: 59 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 19 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 59 days
fledging min.: 55 days
fledging max.: 65 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is a small storm-petrel with short, rounded wings and long legs projecting beyond the tail in flight. They are about 18 cm in length with a wing span of approximately 40 cm. Their upperparts are mostly black-brown except for a conspicuous white rump and a pale brown band showing across the greater wing-coverts. Their underside is mainly sooty-brown. Sexes similar to size and coloration.

Habitat

Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed

Other details

Wilson's storm-petrel are numerous and wide ranging. They migrate from their Antarctic breeding grounds to north of the Equator in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Few birds migrating north into the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their range overlaps with many other storm-petrel species. Very rae vagrant in Suriname.

Feeding

Wilson's storm petrel are gregarious at sea with flocks reaching several thousands at staging points during migration. They feed by running along the surface of the water with wings outstretched and bill (or their entire head) submerged in the water to scoop in their food, taking minutiae from the surface. They feed on crustacea (amphipods and Euphausia), cephalopods (squid), fish, offal, etc. The birds readily follow ships and attend trawlers, attracted by the left-overs, and cetaceans (whales, dolphins etc).

Conservation

This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 6,000,000 individuals (Fishpool and Evans 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Wilson's storm petrels breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year. Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December. Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May At nesting sites Wilson's storm-petrel are killed by skuas. Starvation, due to the blocking of the burrow by hard snow, is a cause of chick mortality.

Migration

Transequatorial migrant; spends off-season in middle latitudes of North Atlantic and North Indian Oceans. Also in Pacific, where less abundant. May move clockwise round Atlantic. Wilson's storm-petrel breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn; perhaps also at Peter, Bouvet, Heard, the Balleny Islands and islands off Graham Land. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year.
Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December (but about one month later at Heard and IlesKerguelen). Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Hydrobatidae | [latin] Oceanites oceanicus | [UK] Wilsons Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite de Wilson | [DE] Buntfuss-Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño de Wilson | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste di Wilson | [NL] Wilson stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 38 cm
spanwidth max.: 59 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 19 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 59 days
fledging min.: 55 days
fledging max.: 65 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is a small storm-petrel with short, rounded wings and long legs projecting beyond the tail in flight. They are about 18 cm in length with a wing span of approximately 40 cm. Their upperparts are mostly black-brown except for a conspicuous white rump and a pale brown band showing across the greater wing-coverts. Their underside is mainly sooty-brown. Sexes similar to size and coloration.

Habitat

Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed

Other details

Wilson's storm-petrel are numerous and wide ranging. They migrate from their Antarctic breeding grounds to north of the Equator in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Few birds migrating north into the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their range overlaps with many other storm-petrel species. Very rae vagrant in Suriname.

Feeding

Wilson's storm petrel are gregarious at sea with flocks reaching several thousands at staging points during migration. They feed by running along the surface of the water with wings outstretched and bill (or their entire head) submerged in the water to scoop in their food, taking minutiae from the surface. They feed on crustacea (amphipods and Euphausia), cephalopods (squid), fish, offal, etc. The birds readily follow ships and attend trawlers, attracted by the left-overs, and cetaceans (whales, dolphins etc).

Conservation

This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 6,000,000 individuals (Fishpool and Evans 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Wilson's storm petrels breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year. Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December. Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May At nesting sites Wilson's storm-petrel are killed by skuas. Starvation, due to the blocking of the burrow by hard snow, is a cause of chick mortality.

Migration

Transequatorial migrant; spends off-season in middle latitudes of North Atlantic and North Indian Oceans. Also in Pacific, where less abundant. May move clockwise round Atlantic. Wilson's storm-petrel breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn; perhaps also at Peter, Bouvet, Heard, the Balleny Islands and islands off Graham Land. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year.
Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December (but about one month later at Heard and IlesKerguelen). Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Hydrobatidae | [latin] Oceanites oceanicus | [UK] Wilsons Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite de Wilson | [DE] Buntfuss-Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño de Wilson | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste di Wilson | [NL] Wilson stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 38 cm
spanwidth max.: 59 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 19 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 59 days
fledging min.: 55 days
fledging max.: 65 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is a small storm-petrel with short, rounded wings and long legs projecting beyond the tail in flight. They are about 18 cm in length with a wing span of approximately 40 cm. Their upperparts are mostly black-brown except for a conspicuous white rump and a pale brown band showing across the greater wing-coverts. Their underside is mainly sooty-brown. Sexes similar to size and coloration.

Habitat

Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed

Other details

Wilson's storm-petrel are numerous and wide ranging. They migrate from their Antarctic breeding grounds to north of the Equator in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Few birds migrating north into the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their range overlaps with many other storm-petrel species. Very rae vagrant in Suriname.

Feeding

Wilson's storm petrel are gregarious at sea with flocks reaching several thousands at staging points during migration. They feed by running along the surface of the water with wings outstretched and bill (or their entire head) submerged in the water to scoop in their food, taking minutiae from the surface. They feed on crustacea (amphipods and Euphausia), cephalopods (squid), fish, offal, etc. The birds readily follow ships and attend trawlers, attracted by the left-overs, and cetaceans (whales, dolphins etc).

Conservation

This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 6,000,000 individuals (Fishpool and Evans 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Wilson's storm petrels breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year. Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December. Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May At nesting sites Wilson's storm-petrel are killed by skuas. Starvation, due to the blocking of the burrow by hard snow, is a cause of chick mortality.

Migration

Transequatorial migrant; spends off-season in middle latitudes of North Atlantic and North Indian Oceans. Also in Pacific, where less abundant. May move clockwise round Atlantic. Wilson's storm-petrel breed on the Antarctic continent, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Falklands, Tierra del Fuego islands off Cape Horn; perhaps also at Peter, Bouvet, Heard, the Balleny Islands and islands off Graham Land. Non breeders may remain north throughout the year.
Wilson's storm-petrel return to their colonies in November/December and eggs are laid in mid-December (but about one month later at Heard and IlesKerguelen). Both parents share the 39-48 day incubation period, taking alternative shifts of about 48 hours. Once the chicks hatch they are fed irregulary by both parents for up to 52 days. Fledging and dispersion begins in April/May.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.

Baltimore Pelagic, Co.Cork Ireland 21-08-2021

[order] Procellariiformes | [family] Procellariidae | [latin] Hydrobates pelagicus | [UK] Storm-Petrel | [FR] Océanite tempête | [DE] Sturmschwalbe | [ES] Paíño Europeo | [IT] Uccello delle tempeste | [NL] Stormvogeltje

Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 41 cm
size min.: 15 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 38 days
incubation max.: 50 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 86 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 1
eggs max.: 1

Physical characteristics

The Storm Petrel is a small bird, only the size of a House MartinHouse Martin : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Passeriformes : Hirundinidae Delichon urbica Binomial name Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758) The House Martin Delichon urbica is a migratory passerine of the family Hiruninidae. The European range of the House Mar, which it superficially resembles with its dark plumage and white rump. It has a fluttering flight, and patters on the water surface as it picks planktonPlankton is the aggregate community of weakly swimming but mostly drifting small organisms that inhabit the water column of the ocean, seas, and bodies of freshwater. The name comes from the Greek term, -meaning "wanderer" or "drifter". While some forms oic food items from the ocean surface. It can be distinguished from Leach's Storm-petrelLeach's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanodroma leucorhoa Binomial name Oceanodroma leucorhoa Vieillot, 1818) The Leach's Storm-petrel or Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is a small seabird of the tub and Wilson's Storm-petrelWilson's Storm-petrel : Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Procellariiformes : Procellariidae Oceanites oceanicus Binomial name Oceanites oceanicus Kuhl, 1820 The Wilson's Storm-petrel or Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is a small seabird of the storm-petre by its smaller size, different rump pattern and flight behaviour. It is strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, and this, together with its remote breeding sites, makes Storm Petrel a difficult bird to see from land. Only in Atlantic storms might this species be pushed into the headlands of south-western Ireland and England.

Habitat

Distinctively north-east Atlantic and west Mediterranean range within lowest 10 m band of airspace over pelagic, offshore, and to less extent inshore marine waters. Found especially in intermediate offshore and suboceanic zones between littoral and deep ocean, from 10°C isotherm (barely overlapping subarctic) down to 25°C isotherm; overlaps tropics in winter. Comes to land solely for breeding and by night only, on unsheltered and undisturbed islands, islets, or, more rarely, promontories of mainland.

Other details

Hydrobates pelagicus has a large global population estimated to be 840,000 individuals. About 90% of the known breeding population is concentrated in the Faroe Islands (Denmark) (150,000-400,000 pairs), United Kingdom (20,000-150,000 pairs), Ireland (50,000-100,000 pairs) and Iceland (50,000-100,000 pairs), with smaller colonies in France (400-600 pairs), Greece (10-30 pairs), Italy (1,500-2,000 pairs), Malta (5,000 pairs), Norway (1,000-10,000 pairs), Spain (1,700-2,000 pairs) and a further 1,000 pairs on the Canary Islands (Spain). This species has a large range, with an estimated global breeding Extent of Occurrence of 50,000-100,000 km2. It nests on remote islands that are largely free of mammalian predators. The accidental introduction of such predators is the main threat to this species, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In some areas, increases in numbers of skuas and large gulls appear to have increased the rate of predation. There may be some risk from eating contaminated food items or taking indisgestible matter but, by feeding in flight, the species is less vulnerable to oil spills than some other seabirds. The species winters off western and southern Africa.

Feeding

Mainly surface crustaceans, small fish, medusae, cephalopods, and oily and fatty materials. Feeds during day from surface by pattering, hovering, and snatching without alighting; alone or in loose groups.

Conservation

Although global population trends have not been quantified, there have been small population declines in Malta, Spain and France, with more significant declines on Guernsey and the Canary Islands, but trend information is poor. Despite the evidence of a population decline, the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]

Breeding

Breeds in natural crevices, among boulders just above high water mark, under stones, and in fissures in rocks. Also in soil on flat ground, less often in hedge banks, stone walls, and old burrows of rabbit. Sometimes old or occupied burrows of Manx Shearwater and Puffin also used, occasionally sharing common entrance. Usually colonial, some pairs share common entrance hole, with separate chambers. Nest: tunnel 5-8 cm diameter, entrance a little smaller; 10 cm to 3 m or more long; shallow depression c. 7 cm diameter at end of tunnel. Usually no material, occasionally small pieces of grass, bracken, or seaweed; rarely built up into substantial nest. Incubation period lasts 38-50 days; periods of over 40 days usually indicate egg chilled during incubation. The chicks fledge in 56 to 86 days. Feeding visits by parents drop off towards fledging time; may be interval of up to 7 days between last feed and fledging. As with the other Procellariiformes, a single egg is laid by a pair in a breeding season, if the egg fails then usually no attempt is made to relay (although it happens rarely). Both sexes incubate in shifts of up to six days.

Migration

Migratory and dispersive. Restricted to east Atlantic and Mediterranean; winters in strength off South Africa. Main departures from British and Irish waters September-November; arrivals off west Africa from midNovember. Some occur in winter north to offshore Rio de Oro and Mauritania; most transequatorial migrants winter (December-April) in cool waters off Namibia and South Africa, some south to 38°S. Substantial northward passage offshore from west Africa in March and April; April and May records from Cape seas and May ones in tropics probably mainly pre-breeders making more leisurely return towards colonies, which they visit after adults established there.