European Storm-petrel (Hydrobates Pelagicus) Bird Information
European Storm-petrel is a Tiny, black, bat-like seabird with prominent white rump. Usually seen at sea flying with non-stop wing action dipping to surface with feet dangling to pick up food. Wings straight, broad and rounded; white underwing bar. Tail square-cut, with broad white rump extending to sides of underparts. Feet do not project beyond the tail. Often follows ships, picking up food from the wake.
Status: highly localized breeder on small islands off coasts of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Elsewhere on passage or storm-driven.
Similar Species: Leach’s Storm-petrel
European Strom-Petrel Bird Facts
| Type | Swallow-like |
| Size | 14 – 16 cm (5 – 6 in) |
| Habitat | sea and small offshore islets |
| Behavior | swims, takes off and lands on water or ground |
| Flocking | 1 – several hundred |
| Flight | flitting, gliding, undulating |
| Voice | on nest, purr ending in hiccough; also high-pitched, repeated squeaks; silent at sea. |
European Storm-Petrel Bird Identification
| Adult | |
| Crown | black |
| Upperparts | black |
| Rump | white |
| Tail | black; medium length and squar |
| Throat | black |
| Breast | black |
| Belly | black |
| Bill | black; short and thin |
| Legs | black; medium length |
Breeding
| Nest | burrow, crevice |
| Eggs | 1; white |
| Incubation | 38 – 40 days |
| Young | helpless; downy45 |
| Fledging | 56 – 64 days |
| Broods | 1; May-July |
| Food | small fish, plankton |
| Population | 50,000 pairs+ |