White-bellied Storm-Petrel (Fregetta grallaria)

Identification & Behavior: ~19 cm (7.5 in). The White-bellied Storm-Petrel has white underparts, underwing lining, and rump. The rest of the body is dusky with shades of black. It is very similar to Black-bellied Storm-petrel, but lacks the dusky mid ventral stripe. Flies very low over water dangling its feet on the water. It has a stocky appearance.

Status: The White-bellied Storm-Petrel is known from sight records off the coast of Peru. It has been observed within 200 nautical miles west of Peninsula Paracas. However, no documentation has been presented on how it was identified. Confirmation is required. It also occurs in Br and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Golondrina de Mar de Vientre Blanco.

Sub-species: White-bellied Storm-Petrel (Fregetta grallaria).

Meaning of Name: Fregetta: Specific name given to this genus of storm-petrel. grallaria: L. grallarius, grallae=stilts, one that walks on stilts.

See more of the Family Oceanitidae