Key information
A little bigger than a sparrow it appears all black with a white rump. Its tail is not forked, unlike Leach's petrel. In flight it flutters over the water, feeding with its wings held up in a 'V' with feet pattering across the waves. At sea it often feeds in flocks and will follow in the wake of ships, especially trawlers.
What they eat:
Fish, plankton and crustaceans.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 14-18cm
- Wingspan:
- 36-39cm
- Weight:
- 23-30g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 25,700 pairs
Identifying features:
Storm petrel
