Soft-plumaged Petrel
Pterodroma mollis
The Soft-plumaged Petrel is a rare visitor to British waters, typically seen during periods of strong winds or storms, particularly in the western coastal areas. It is most likely to be spotted between June and November, although sightings are extremely uncommon.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Soft-plumaged Petrel in the field.
This species can be identified by its dark grey-brown upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive M-shaped marking across its wings, as well as its slender build and long, pointed wings.
The Soft-plumaged Petrel is slightly larger than a Blue Tit, with a more elongated body.
The male Soft-plumaged Petrel has a dark grey-brown back and wings, with a pale grey-brown forehead and crown, and white underparts, with no significant seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Soft-plumaged Petrel is similar to the male, with no notable differences in plumage.
The Soft-plumaged Petrel's call is a high-pitched, whistling sound, often described as a sharp, piercing cry.
This petrel is a pelagic species, spending most of its time at sea, where it feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and squid, and is known for its agile, gliding flight style.
The Soft-plumaged Petrel can be confused with other petrel species, such as the Manx Shearwater or the Great Shearwater, but can be distinguished by its darker upperparts, slender build, and distinctive M-shaped wing marking.
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