Ringed Storm Petrel

The Ringed Storm Petrel, or Hydrobates hornbyi, is a seabird known for its striking appearance. It boasts a dark cap, a contrasting white face and underparts, and a distinctive forked tail. A prominent black band stretches across its chest, adding to its unique identification markers. This species is named in honor of Admiral Sir Phipps Hornby.

Identification Tips

When observing the Ringed Storm Petrel, look for its white face and underparts, which stand out against the dark cap and the black band across the chest. The forked tail is another key feature to help distinguish it from other storm petrels.

Habitat

The Ringed Storm Petrel is a pelagic bird, typically found in the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current off the coasts of South America.

Distribution

This species is commonly sighted in the seas off Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. It has also been recorded as a vagrant off the coast of California.

Behaviour

The Ringed Storm Petrel's behavior at sea is not well-documented, but like other storm petrels, it is likely to exhibit a fluttering flight over the water's surface as it forages for food.

Breeding

Breeding sites for the Ringed Storm Petrel were only recently discovered in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, a surprising distance of over 70 km from the sea. The breeding season is inferred to be between March and July, based on the timing of fledglings seen at sea near Lima, Peru, and Antofagasta, Chile.

Conservation status

The conservation status of the Ringed Storm Petrel is currently listed as Near Threatened. While the population is estimated to be in the thousands or tens of thousands, the full extent of any threats to the species is not well understood.