Species Profile
Leach's Storm-petrel
Hydrobates leucorhous
Leach's Petrel
Quick Facts
Conservation
VUVulnerableLifespan
20–25 years
Length
18–21 cm
Weight
35–50 g
Wingspan
43–48 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Leach's Petrel
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Appearance
Leach's Storm-petrel is a small seabird with predominantly black plumage and a greyish-brown cast. Its most distinctive feature is a white rump patch that contrasts sharply with its dark body. The wings are long and narrow, with a pale bar visible in flight.
Both sexes look alike in size and appearance. Although they do not moult into an alternative plumage post-breeding, their feathers develop a browner, worn appearance. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have slightly fresher-looking feathers.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Leach's Storm-petrels inhabit open oceans worldwide, breeding on remote islands in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. They nest in burrows or crevices on steep, grassy slopes or rocky cliffs.
During non-breeding seasons, they disperse widely across tropical and subtropical waters. They breed in coastal areas of Canada, the UK, and the United States.
In the US, Leach’s petrels breed in Alaska’s islands and off the Pacific Coast from Washington to California. In Canada, Newfoundland is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Leach’s petrels.
Breeding in the UK is limited to five sites in the Western Isles, including the St Kilda archipelago, the Flannan Isles, and two islands in Shetland.
Distribution
Diet
Leach's Storm-petrels primarily feed on small fish, squid, octopus, jellyfish and zooplankton. Chief fish species eaten are rockfish, sandlance and cod.
They often follow ships to scavenge discarded fish and offal. These birds have a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate food sources across vast expanses of ocean.
Behaviour
Leach's Storm-petrels are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea. They feed by picking prey from the water's surface while hovering or pattering with their feet. These birds are nocturnal at their breeding colonies, returning under the cover of darkness to avoid predators.
Calls & Sounds
At their breeding colonies, Leach's Storm-petrels produce a variety of vocalisations. The most common is a series of chuckling or purring sounds, often described as 'chuckle-chatter.' Males also give a high-pitched 'flight call' that sounds like 'kee-kee-kee' when approaching the nest site.
Nesting & Breeding
Leach's Storm-petrels form long-term pair bonds and return annually to the same breeding sites. The breeding season typically begins in April or May, depending on the location.
Nests are built at the end of burrows or in rock crevices lined with grass, feathers, or other soft materials. Females lay a single white egg, often with a faint ring of reddish spots at the larger end.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 41-42 days. Chicks fledge after 60-70 days, receiving care from both parents throughout this period.
Conservation
Leach's Storm-petrel is classified as Vulnerable due to significant population declines. Major threats include predation by introduced mammals at breeding sites, light pollution causing disorientation, and climate change affecting food availability. Conservation efforts focus on predator control and habitat protection on breeding islands.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Leach's Storm-petrels far offshore, especially during storms or strong winds
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern: erratic and bat-like with rapid wingbeats
- Listen for their eerie, chuckling calls at night near breeding colonies
- Join pelagic birding trips for the best chances of spotting these elusive seabirds
Did You Know?
- Leach's Storm-petrels can drink seawater and excrete excess salt through special glands.
- They can live for over 30 years, making them one of the longest-lived small seabirds.
- These birds have an excellent sense of smell, rare among birds, which they use to find food and their nesting burrows.
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