Bulwer's Petrel

Bulweria bulwerii

Family: Petrels, Shearwaters, and Diving Petrels · Status: Vagrant · Size: 26–27 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds on small islands in the northern Atlantic and northern Pacific Oceans. The Pacific population disperses southwards outside the breeding season, reaching the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas.

Identification

Resembles Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel but larger, with longer wings and distinctive long, graduated tail, lacking tail fork. Can be distinguished from Short-tailed Shearwater by its smaller size, much smaller head, and the pale diagonal band across its upperwing-coverts.

Habitat

Open seas.

Behaviour

Flight buoyant and usually close to the water surface.