There are two families of Storm petrels with many variations: Oceanitidae and Hydrobatidae, between the two families there are over 20 species.
Oceanitidae species are known for their ability to “skate” and “dance” across the water, a behavior used to stir up prey. This family includes species like the Wilson’s Storm Petrel, known for its striking black and white plumage.
Hydrobatidae species tend to be more uniform in appearance but are equally skilled at navigating the open ocean. This family includes species like Fork-tailed, Hornbys, Markhams, Leaches, Swinhoes and more.
Masters of the Open Ocean
Storm petrels spend almost their entire lives at sea, only coming to land to breed. This pelagic lifestyle makes them one of the most ocean-dependent birds on the planet.
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- You’ll find them far from shore, quickly navigating vast oceanic distances.
- Despite their small size, they can cover thousands of miles during their lifetime.
- Some species like the Wilson’s have adapted to follow ships for food.
Tiny But Mighty
Storm petrels are among the smallest seabirds, with an average wingspan of just 20 cm. Despite their size, they are highly resilient, surviving harsh ocean conditions.
- They typically weigh around 50 grams, making them exceptionally lightweight.
- Their small size allows for agile flying and quick turns to avoid predators.
- In flight, they appear to “walk” on water, a behavior that helps them catch food.
Mysterious Breeding Habits
These birds are incredibly secretive about their breeding, often nesting in remote, inaccessible locations. This behavior helps protect their young from predators.
- Storm petrels only come ashore at night to avoid detection by predators.
- They typically nest in burrows, crevices, or under rocks.
- Their eggs have a long incubation period, requiring up to 50 days to hatch.
Have the Same Mate for Many Years
Storm petrels will keep the same mate for years, but many do not mate for life. During the early stages, both parents share the responsibilities.
- After hatching, the chick is left alone in the nest for extended periods while its parents forage at sea.
- The chick is fed nutrient-rich oil regurgitated by the parent.
- Once the chick fledges, it is immediately independent and must survive independently.
Nomads of the Sea
Storm petrels are known for their incredible migratory journeys, often traveling thousands of miles between breeding and feeding grounds.
- They migrate in large flocks, sometimes mixing with other seabird species.
- Ocean currents and food availability dictate migration routes.
- Some species travel from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere during the non-breeding season.
Uniquely Adapted to Ocean Life – Storm Petrel Facts
Storm petrels have several adaptations that make them well-suited to a life spent at sea. These include specialized glands for excreting salt and a highly efficient metabolism.
- They have a salt gland located above their eyes to excrete excess salt from seawater.
- Their dense, waterproof feathers keep them buoyant and dry.
- A high metabolic rate allows them to sustain energy during long flights over the ocean.
Skilled Hunters
Storm petrels feed primarily on small fish, squid, and plankton, which they catch while skimming the ocean’s surface. Their hunting techniques are highly specialized.
- They have an acute sense of smell, aided by the naricorns (a bony tube that covers the bird’s nostrils) rare among birds, to locate food in the vast ocean.
- Some species can dive short distances to catch prey below the surface.
- A unique behavior observed is their “pattering” on the water’s surface to stir up prey.
Raising Resilient Offspring
Storm petrel chicks are born with downy feathers and are incredibly resilient, able to withstand the harsh conditions of their nesting sites.
- Chicks can survive for days without food due to their slow metabolism.
- They remain in the nest for up to two months before fledging.
- Once they leave the nest, they are fully independent and ready to take on the open ocean.
Masters of Camouflage
Storm petrels are masters of disguise, blending seamlessly with their rocky, coastal nesting sites. This camouflage is crucial for avoiding predators.
- Their dark plumage (like that of the Leachs, Townsends, and Ashy storm petrels—one of the more popular California beach birds) helps them stay hidden in the shadows of cliffs and rocks.
- They are often silent near their nests to avoid detection.
- Some species even use scent to blend in with their environment.
Navigating by Night – Storm Petrel Facts
Storm petrels are nocturnal, using the cover of darkness to avoid predators and navigate the open ocean. Their night vision is highly adapted for this purpose. However, they can also hunt for food during the day.
Check out our guide on these other birds that fly at night.
- They are guided by the stars and the earth’s magnetic field during migration.
- Their eyes are specially adapted to see in low-light conditions.
- At night, they are less visible to predators, increasing their chances of survival.