Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Black-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta tropica)
Black-bellied Storm Petrel

Black-bellied Storm Petrel

Fregetta tropica

The Black-bellied Storm Petrel, Fregetta tropica, presents a striking contrast in its plumage. The majority of its feathers are a deep black, while a distinctive white band graces the rump. The underparts of the wings and flanks are also white, providing a stark contrast to the bird's darker tones. A notable feature is the broad black stripe that runs down the center of the belly, although this may sometimes be fragmented or entirely missing.

Identification Tips

When observing the Black-bellied Storm Petrel in flight, one can discern its long legs trailing beyond the tail, a characteristic silhouette against the sky. The legs and feet of this species are a uniform black, which can aid in identification from a distance.

Habitat

This seabird is a true child of the ocean, spending much of its life over the open sea. It is rarely seen on land, except during breeding seasons when it forms colonies on remote islands.

Distribution

The Black-bellied Storm Petrel has a wide range, with sightings recorded from the icy shores of Antarctica to the warmer climes of Brazil and South Africa. Its distribution extends to various islands and coastal regions, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Falkland Islands.

Behaviour

At sea, the Black-bellied Storm Petrel is a solitary creature, often silent as it glides over the waves. However, the breeding colonies are a cacophony of sound, with birds emitting a drawn-out, shrill whistle while on the ground.

Song & Calls

While mostly silent at sea, the Black-bellied Storm Petrel's vocalizations can be heard within the bustling activity of its breeding colonies, where it communicates with a prolonged, high-pitched whistle.

Conservation status

The Black-bellied Storm Petrel is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Black-bellied Storm Petrels on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Austral Storm Petrels

A photo of a White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria)

White-bellied Storm Petrel

Fregetta grallaria
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Emma L
App got me interested in birding!
Super friendly community <3 This app got me interested in birding! It teaches me cool stuff and its super friendly, and fun :) The species guide is really developing my knowledge, and i love seeing cool new birds from round the world!
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.