White-faced Storm Petrel
Pelagodroma marina
The White-faced Storm 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 in the UK during the summer months, although sightings are extremely uncommon.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify White-faced Storm Petrel in the field.
This species can be identified by its distinctive white face, dark grey-brown back, and white rump, as well as its small size and rapid, fluttering wingbeats. Its white face patch and dark grey-brown upperparts are key distinguishing features.
The White-faced Storm Petrel is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 20-23 cm in length, making it a compact and agile seabird.
The male White-faced Storm Petrel has a slate-grey back, wings, and tail, with a white face, forehead, and underside, and a distinctive white rump patch, with no notable seasonal variation in plumage.
The female White-faced Storm Petrel is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage, making it challenging to distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone.
The White-faced Storm Petrel's call is a high-pitched, sharp "chip" or "tsip" sound, often repeated in a series of rapid, staccato notes.
This species is a pelagic bird that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and plankton, often flying low over the water's surface with rapid, fluttering wingbeats, and is known for its agile and erratic flight patterns.
The White-faced Storm Petrel can be confused with other storm petrel species, such as the European Storm Petrel, but can be distinguished by its white face patch, darker upperparts, and white rump, as well as its smaller size and more rapid wingbeats.
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