Swinhoe’s Petrel
Hydrobates monorhis
Swinhoe's Petrel is a rare visitor to British waters, typically seen during the summer months in the northern and western parts of the country, particularly in areas with warm ocean currents. It is a small, all-brown seabird that can be spotted in the open ocean, often in association with other storm petrels.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Swinhoe’s Petrel in the field.
The Swinhoe's Petrel can be identified by its all-brown plumage, forked tail, and distinctive wing shape, with a more rounded tip than other storm petrels. Its brown colouration is uniform, with no distinctive markings or patterns.
The Swinhoe's Petrel is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 20-23 cm in length, and is one of the smaller members of the storm petrel family.
The male Swinhoe's Petrel has a uniform all-brown plumage, with no distinctive seasonal variations or colour changes, remaining brown throughout the year.
The female Swinhoe's Petrel is similar to the male, with the same uniform all-brown plumage and no noticeable differences in colour or pattern.
The Swinhoe's Petrel has a high-pitched, chattering call, often described as a rapid series of sharp, clicking notes.
Swinhoe's Petrels are pelagic birds that feed on small fish, crustaceans, and plankton, often flying low over the water's surface with a characteristic fluttering wingbeat, and are known to follow ships and other large vessels in search of food.
The Swinhoe's Petrel can be confused with other storm petrels, such as the European Storm Petrel, but can be distinguished by its all-brown plumage and forked tail, as well as its more rounded wing tips and distinctive call.
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