The stormy petrel is a small seabird that lives far out on the open ocean, rarely coming near land. It belongs to the order Procellariiformes, a group of seabirds that includes albatrosses and shearwaters. These birds share unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in remote and challenging marine environments.
Identifying the Stormy Petrel
The stormy petrel is one of the smallest seabirds, with a length ranging from 13 to 25 centimeters. Its body is covered in uniformly dark, sooty-black or brownish plumage. The most reliable field mark for identification is the bright white patch of feathers covering the rump, which contrasts sharply with the dark body. This white rump is a common feature across many species within the family Hydrobatidae, or northern storm petrels. The petrel also possesses a short, hooked bill and prominent tubular nostrils, characteristic features of the tube-nosed seabirds in its order.
Life on the Open Ocean
Stormy petrels spend almost their entire lives over the open ocean, far from coastal waters. They are rarely observed from land, only approaching shore when they return to their breeding colonies. Their flight is distinctive, often described as fluttering or bat-like, as they skim low over the water’s surface with minimal effort. This allows them to utilize the updrafts and air currents just above the waves.
The petrel’s method of foraging gives the impression of “walking on water.” While hovering just above the surface, the bird extends its long legs and pats its webbed feet on the water to maintain its position against the wind. This pattering action helps them pluck small prey, such as zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish oil, directly from the ocean’s surface film. They possess an excellent sense of smell that helps them locate oily spots where food is concentrated, such as behind fishing trawlers or near natural slicks.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “petrel” is thought to be a reference to Saint Peter, the apostle known for walking on water in the Gospel of Matthew. This association stems directly from the bird’s foraging technique, where it appears to be lightly walking across the waves by pattering its feet on the sea surface.
The addition of “stormy” to the name is rooted in maritime tradition. Sailors historically believed that the sudden appearance of these small birds around ships signaled an impending gale. This idea likely arose because the birds are adapted to severe conditions and are often most visible when a storm is brewing or during high winds. The petrel’s ability to ride out violent storms has also led to the older nickname “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” a term sometimes linked to the Virgin Mary as a protective figure for mariners.