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MarineCavity nestLarge · 401 g
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Galapagos Petrel
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 8 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is June, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Galapagos Petrel
The map shades 2 countries with regular records, and 3 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica.
About the Galapagos Petrel
The Galápagos petrel is one of the six endemic seabirds of the Galápagos. Its scientific name derives from Ancient Greek: Pterodroma originates from pteron and dromos, meaning "wing" and "runner", and phaeopygia comes from phaios and pugios, meaning "dusky" and "rump". Members of Pterodroma genus are also called the gadfly petrels because their erratic twisting and turning in flight resemble that of gadflies.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Soft-plumaged PetrelPterodroma mollisThe soft-plumaged petrel is a medium-sized petrel.
Mottled PetrelPterodroma inexpectataThe mottled petrel or kōrure is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels.
White-headed PetrelPterodroma lessoniiThe white-headed petrel distinct with a pale white head and prominent dark eye patch.
Side by side: Barau's Petrel vs Galapagos Petrel · Galapagos Petrel vs Soft-plumaged Petrel · Galapagos Petrel vs White-headed Petrel
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