The Black Storm-Petrel is a medium-sized, uniformly dark-sooty storm-petrel with a distinctive forked tail. It is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Where to spot
Breeds on islands off Baja California, Mexico, including Natividad, San Benito, and San Roque islands. Disperses along the west coast of North America from southern California to British Columbia.
How to spot
Identify by its all-dark sooty plumage, noticeably forked tail, and relatively large size for a storm-petrel. Its flight is direct and strong with purposeful wingbeats. Best seen on pelagic trips off Baja California and Southern California.
When to spot
Active at breeding colonies from April to October. Observed at sea during these months and sometimes wider dispersion during winter. Best season for observation off California is late summer and fall.
Where to spot
Breeds on islands off Baja California, Mexico, including Natividad, San Benito, and San Roque islands. Disperses along the west coast of North America from southern California to British Columbia.
How to spot
Identify by its all-dark sooty plumage, noticeably forked tail, and relatively large size for a storm-petrel. Its flight is direct and strong with purposeful wingbeats. Best seen on pelagic trips off Baja California and Southern California.
When to spot
Active at breeding colonies from April to October. Observed at sea during these months and sometimes wider dispersion during winter. Best season for observation off California is late summer and fall.
Like many storm-petrels, Black Storm-Petrels are highly social at sea, often forming mixed flocks with other seabird species around productive foraging areas.
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