Galapagos Petrel vs Soft-plumaged Petrel

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

Soft-plumaged Petrel

Pterodroma mollis

Large312 gMarine

The soft-plumaged petrel is a medium-sized petrel. Its plumage is dark grey and white, and its wings are narrow and with a pointed tail distinct in flight. It has a dark grey head with prominent white feathers on the cheeks and throat. There is a white speckling on forehead along with a prominent dark eye patch. Its underside is mostly white, which turned dark grey at underwings. The bill is black and about 25–32 mm long and has a sharp hook. Its legs are pink with black on the outer webs and toes. There is also the dark morph, which is another variation of the petrel.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: stevestevens · CC0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Galapagos Petrel and Soft-plumaged Petrel.