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Striking white-bodied storm-petrel with distinctive flight style: glides on stiff wings and bounces across the sea surface with both feet, much like a hopping kangaroo.
NT: Endangered
Indigenous: Frigate Petrel, Mother Carey's Chicken, White-Breasted Storm-Petrel
At a glance
FamilySouthern Storm-Petrels
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatCoastlines, harbours, offshore waters, estuaries, headlands, beaches, and large inland water when conditions suit.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from December to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by David Boyle
Range map
Range map
540visible hotspots
6068visible records
3states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
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
Plumage also unique; look for mostly white face with dark mask. Also note extremely long legs projecting far beyond tail and rather long, slender bill.
Behavior
Fairly common and widespread in subtropical and tropical waters across the globe, with several disjunct and subtly variable populations. Can be seen singly or in groups when feeding; rarely mixes with other species of storm-petrel.
Gallery