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The Herald petrel is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels. Its range includes the south Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The bird is 35–39 cm (14–15 in) in size, with an 88–102 cm (35–40 in) wingspan. It was formerly considered conspecific with the Trindade petrel and Henderson petrel. This petrel has various colour morphs: dark and light, as well as intermediates between the two.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Australia, United States, American Samoa, Niue.
When to see it
Peak activity in July · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Atlantic PetrelPterodroma incertaThe Atlantic petrel is a gadfly petrel endemic to the South Atlantic Ocean.
Zino's PetrelPterodroma madeiraThis long-winged petrel is 32–34 cm (13–13 in) long with an 80–86 cm (31–34 in) wingspan, and an average weight of 290 g (10 oz).
Phoenix PetrelPterodroma albaThe Phoenix petrel is a medium-sized tropical seabird, measuring up to 35 cm (1.15 ft) long, with a wingspan of 83 cm (2.72 ft).
Learn the Herald Petrel for real
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