Bird Guide

Black-capped Petrel vs Great-winged Petrel

Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)

Black-capped Petrel

Pterodroma hasitata

Medium278 gMarine

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: steve b · CC0
Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera)

Great-winged Petrel

Pterodroma macroptera

Large532 gMarine

This is a large seabird, with a body length of 42–45 cm. The bird is completely dark brown except for a variable patch of white near the base of the bill, which is black. It is separated from sooty shearwater and short-tailed shearwater by the all-dark underwing, the thick, stubby bill, and different jizz. The similar flesh-footed shearwater has a light, pinkish bill. Petrels in the genus Procellaria are larger and have a less bounding flight.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Алексей Логинов · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black-capped Petrel and Great-winged Petrel.