Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Northern Storm Petrels

Northern storm petrels are a group of the smallest seabirds, comprising the family Hydrobatidae within the order Procellariiformes. They are typically found in the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their fluttering, bat-like flight patterns as they feed on crustaceans and small fish at the ocean's surface. These birds are expert fliers, often hovering or "walking" on the water's surface using the wind to stay in position. They are pelagic, which means they spend most of their lives at sea and only come to land to breed. Loyal to their birth colonies, storm petrels are nocturnal visitors to their nest sites, where they engage in monogamous and long-term breeding partnerships, sharing duties like incubation and chick-feeding. Their reproductive cycle is lengthy, with incubation lasting up to 50 days, and fledglings taking an additional 70 days. Sadly, some storm petrel species are threatened by human encroachment, particularly by invasive predators on what were once mammal-free island breeding grounds. The Guadalupe storm petrel is believed to be extinct due to such pressures. The taxonomy of storm petrels is complex, with the family Hydrobatidae itself being refined over time through DNA analysis, which has identified several distinct species and led to the merger of the once-distinct genera Hydrobates and Oceanodroma. Physical traits such as grey or dark plumage with white rump patches, forked or wedge-shaped tails, and longer wings distinguish storm petrels. Identifying these birds at sea is notoriously challenging due to their varied appearances and the prevalence of incorrect information. Their diets are not well-documented but generally revolve around crustaceans, supplemented by fish and molluscs. Storm petrels exhibit diverse migration patterns; some species travel vast distances post-breeding, while others are more sedentary. Breeding occurs in colonies, often on isolated islands where they nest in burrows or crevices, displaying strong site fidelity. Their cultural significance is notable, seen as omens of stormy weather, and historically they have been associated with sailors' lore and revolutionary symbolism in literature and politics. Their conservation is critical as they face growing threats such as habitat degradation and predation by invasive species.

Regions

Categories

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.
2
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.

Species Categories

African & Green BroadbillsAfrican & New World ParrotsAfrican BarbetsAlbatrossesAnhingas, DartersAustral Storm PetrelsBarn OwlsBee-eatersBulbulsBuntingsBushshrikesBustardsButtonquailCaracaras, FalconsChats, Old World FlycatchersCisticolas & AlliesCormorants, ShagsCoursers, PratincolesCrab-ploverCranesCrombecs, African WarblersCrows, JaysCuckoosCuckooshrikesDrongosDucks, Geese, SwansFairy FlycatchersFigbirds, Orioles, TurnagraFinches, EuphoniasFinfootsFlamingosFlufftailsFrigatebirdsGannets, BoobiesGrassbirds & AlliesGrebesGround HornbillsGuineafowlGulls, Terns, SkimmersHamerkopHerons, BitternsHoneyguidesHoopoesHornbillsHyliotasIbises, SpoonbillsIndigobirds, WhydahsJacanasKingfishersKites, Hawks, EaglesLarksLaughingthrushes & AlliesLeaf Warblers & AlliesMonarchsMousebirdsNicatorsNightjarsNorthern Storm PetrelsOld World ParrotsOld World Sparrows, SnowfinchesOspreysOstrichesOwlsOxpeckersOystercatchersPainted-snipesPelicansPenduline TitsPenguinsPetrels, Shearwaters, Diving PetrelsPheasants & AlliesPigeons, DovesPittasPloversRails, Crakes & CootsReed Warblers & AlliesRockjumpersRollersSandgrouseSandpipers, SnipesSecretarybirdSheathbillsShrikesSkuasStarlings, RhabdornisStilts, AvocetsStone-curlews, Thick-kneesStorksSugarbirdsSunbirdsSwallows, MartinsSwiftsSylviid BabblersThrushesTits, ChickadeesTreecreepersTrogonsTropicbirdsTuracosVangas & AlliesWagtails, PipitsWattle-eyes, BatisesWaxbills, Munias & AlliesWeavers, WidowbirdsWhite-eyesWood HoopoesWoodpeckersYellow Flycatchers

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
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!
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Amylia S
Best app for any birding person!
I love this app!! I am so addicted to it when I saw it had 3 star review I was so sad! The app is awesome!! The best app for any birding person! ❤️
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.