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Murphy's petrel is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels. The bird is 38–41 cm length, with a 97 cm wingspan, and weighs about 360 g. Its plumage is all dark sooty-grey, except for a pale chin, and pinkish legs; it does not exhibit sexual dimorphism. It was described by Robert Cushman Murphy in 1949, which is the source of the species' common name.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a passage migrant species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Hawaiian PetrelPterodroma sandwichensisThe Hawaiian petrel or ʻuaʻu is a large, dark grey-brown and white petrel that is endemic to Hawaiʻi.
White-headed PetrelPterodroma lessoniiThe white-headed petrel distinct with a pale white head and prominent dark eye patch.
Mottled PetrelPterodroma inexpectataThe mottled petrel or kōrure is a species of seabird and a member of the gadfly petrels.
Learn the Murphy's Petrel for real
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