Galapagos Petrel
Pterodroma phaeopygia
The Galapagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) is a rare petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrel found in 5 countries, weighing about 401 g. The Galápagos petrel is one of the six endemic seabirds of the Galápagos.
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.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica.
When to see it
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, with peak activity in June. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Galapagos Petrel?
- The Galápagos and Hawaiian petrels are very similar. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Galapagos Petrel?
- The Galapagos Petrel is a large sized bird weighing about 401 g.
- Where can you see a Galapagos Petrel?
- The Galapagos Petrel occurs in 5 countries, including Ecuador and Peru.
- What birds look similar to a Galapagos Petrel?
- The Galapagos Petrel is most easily confused with the Soft-plumaged Petrel, the Mottled Petrel and the White-headed Petrel.
- Is the Galapagos Petrel endangered?
- The Galapagos Petrel is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
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