White-bellied Storm Petrel
Fregetta grallaria
The White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria) is a rare southern storm petrel found in 11 countries, weighing about 51 g. The white-bellied storm petrel is a species of seabird in the family Oceanitidae.
About the White-bellied Storm Petrel
The white-bellied storm petrel is a species of seabird in the family Oceanitidae. It is found in Angola, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Maldives, Namibia, New Zealand, Perú, Saint Helena, and South Africa. Its natural habitat is open seas.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The species is characterised on colour patterns, the condition of the nasal tubes, tail shape, structure of claws, and proportions of the leg bones. Fregetta spp. have their plumage black above, white below, and white upper tail coverts, nasal tube free at end and upturned, half culmen in length; tarsus booted in front, webs black, basal joint middle toe flattened, and claws blunt and flattened. The white-bellied storm petrel is a small bird, around 18 to 20 centimetres (7.1–7.9 in) in length with a wing span of 46–48 cm (18.1–18.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Peru, South Africa, Ecuador, Namibia, Uruguay, Pitcairn Islands, Réunion.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-bellied Storm Petrel?
- The species is characterised on colour patterns, the condition of the nasal tubes, tail shape, structure of claws, and proportions of the leg bones. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-bellied Storm Petrel?
- The White-bellied Storm Petrel is a small sized bird weighing about 51 g.
- Where can you see a White-bellied Storm Petrel?
- The White-bellied Storm Petrel occurs in 11 countries, including Australia, Chile, New Zealand and French Polynesia.
- What birds look similar to a White-bellied Storm Petrel?
- The White-bellied Storm Petrel is most easily confused with the New Caledonian Storm Petrel and the Black-bellied Storm Petrel.
- Is the White-bellied Storm Petrel endangered?
- The White-bellied Storm Petrel is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-bellied Storm Petrel for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.