The Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel is a small, pale grey seabird with a distinctively notched or forked tail. It inhabits the cooler waters of the North Pacific Ocean.
Where to spot
Breeds on islands in the North Pacific from Alaska south to British Columbia and Washington. Disperses widely across the North Pacific Ocean during non-breeding seasons.
How to spot
Look for its unique pale grey plumage, darker flight feathers, and characteristic forked tail. Its flight is strong and direct. Best observed during pelagic trips off the coasts of western North America or near Alaskan breeding grounds.
When to spot
Present at breeding colonies from May to September. Can be observed at sea throughout the year, with numbers varying by migration patterns.
Where to spot
Breeds on islands in the North Pacific from Alaska south to British Columbia and Washington. Disperses widely across the North Pacific Ocean during non-breeding seasons.
How to spot
Look for its unique pale grey plumage, darker flight feathers, and characteristic forked tail. Its flight is strong and direct. Best observed during pelagic trips off the coasts of western North America or near Alaskan breeding grounds.
When to spot
Present at breeding colonies from May to September. Can be observed at sea throughout the year, with numbers varying by migration patterns.
Unlike many storm-petrels which are dark, the Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel's ghostly pale grey plumage makes it quite distinctive and aids in identification at sea.
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