About the Black-capped Petrel
The black-capped petrel, also known as the diablotín, is a small seabird native to the West Indies in the genus Pterodroma. It is a long-winged petrel with a grey-brown back and wings, with a white nape and rump. Underparts are mainly white apart from a black cap and some dark underwing markings. It picks food items such as squid from the ocean surface.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The black-capped petrel is large compared to other gadfly petrels, with a length of about 16 inches (40.5 cm) and 37 inches (94 cm) wingspan. The most similar species within its range is the Bermuda petrel, which is smaller and has a narrower white rump patch and an extensive gray cowl. The great shearwater is also superficially similar. The critically endangered or possibly extinct Jamaica petrel (P. caribbaea) was a related dark form.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada, Spain, Puerto Rico, Portugal, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Aruba.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Great-winged PetrelPterodroma macropteraThis is a large seabird, with a body length of 42–45 cm.
Cook's PetrelPterodroma cookiiCook's petrel or tītī (Māori), blue-footed petrel, is a Procellariiform seabird endemic to New Zealand.
Barau's PetrelPterodroma barauiBarau's petrel is around 40 cm long, and has white undersides and forehead.
Learn the Black-capped Petrel for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.