Barau's Petrel vs Galapagos Petrel

Barau's Petrel

Pterodroma baraui

Large400 gMarine

Barau's petrel is around 40 cm long, and has white undersides and forehead. Its bill is black and its upper parts are dark, with a moderately distinct "M" pattern across the wings and back.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Matteo Bellucci · CC BY 4.0

Galapagos Petrel

Pterodroma phaeopygia

Large401 gMarine

The Galápagos and Hawaiian petrels are very similar. They are large, long-winged gadfly petrels with an overall dark-gray topside which darkens gradually towards the tip of the wings and tail. A narrow white line on each side of their rump is often present. The species are also characterized by a distinct black hood that extends to the sides of their neck. In contrast, their face and underparts are white, but the underwings have black margins and a diagonal bar that extends from the coverts to near the base of the wings. Voice: Most gadfly petrels tend to remain silent at sea, but become very vocal at night when they are near their breeding colony. Also, during communal courtship, they often emit various shrill cries. Moreover, from the inside of their burrow, they typically produce different crooning or growling notes and some moaning cries.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Ingvild Riska · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Barau's Petrel and Galapagos Petrel.