Black Storm Petrel

The black storm petrel, known scientifically as Hydrobates melania, is a diminutive seabird belonging to the family Hydrobatidae. It measures approximately 23 cm in length and boasts a wingspan ranging from 46 to 51 cm. This species is characterized by its dark plumage, which aids in its identification at sea.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the black storm petrel, look for its uniform dark coloration and relatively long wings. The bird's flight pattern is typically fluttering and low over the water, which can be a helpful characteristic for observers to note.

Habitat

The black storm petrel is a pelagic bird, spending much of its life at sea. It is more likely to be found closer to shore than many other storm-petrel species, which provides birdwatchers with better viewing opportunities from the mainland.

Distribution

This species breeds on islands off the southern coast of California in the United States and extends down to the Baja Peninsula and Gulf of California in Mexico. After the breeding season, the black storm petrel migrates to two distinct wintering grounds: one in the California Current off Central California and another further south off the coast of Central America, reaching as far as Colombia and Ecuador.

Behaviour

The black storm petrel exhibits colonial breeding habits, with nesting sites typically located in rock crevices or occasionally in small burrows in soft earth, sometimes utilizing abandoned auklet burrows. The species is nocturnal at colonies to evade predatory birds. At sea, it is often observed foraging alone.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the black storm petrel are less commonly heard by observers due to the bird's pelagic nature and nocturnal activity at breeding sites.

Breeding

A single white egg is laid per breeding season, with both parents sharing incubation duties over a period of approximately 50 days. The chick is initially brooded and then left alone as both parents forage to provide sustenance. Fledging occurs around 10 weeks after hatching.

Similar Species

The black storm petrel can be confused with other dark-plumaged petrels, but its size, habitat, and specific flight pattern can help differentiate it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the black storm petrel primarily consists of planktonic crustaceans, with a preference for spiny lobster larvae. It also consumes small fish and offal. Feeding techniques include plunge diving up to 1 meter below the surface, surface swimming, and aerial foraging.

Conservation status

The black storm petrel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Although it is a common species with a population in the millions, it has faced threats on some breeding islands due to predation by feral cats and rats. Conservation efforts have been made to remove these predators from several nesting islands to protect the species.