Bird guideBlack-winged Petrel

Distribution The black-winged petrel is a pelagic species native to the East Pacific Ocean, living out at sea and only coming to land in order to breed.

⚠️VIC: Vulnerable

At a glance

FamilyShearwaters and Petrels
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatOutside the breeding season it migrates further north and most commonly occurs in a broad belt of ocean between Peru and Hawaii.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from March.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by David Boyle

Range map

Range map

77visible hotspots
307visible records
1states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

The underwings appear darker than in most other small petrels because of the wide black margin around the edges of the wings and a broad black diagonal bar on the inner wing.

Behavior

Migrates through Hawaiian waters, usually from spring through fall. Regularly seen offshore from boats, occasionally from shore.

Regional timing

New South Wales
Peak: March1,119 records
Queensland
Peak: March38 records
Northern Territory
Peak: January to March248 records

Commonly confused with

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