Elliot's Storm-petrel
Where to Look
- Commonly seen following ships throughout the archipelago
Similar Galapagos Species
Band-rumped Storm-petrel
Identification
The only regularly recorded Storm Petrel in the Galapagos with a white belly and square-ended tail. Legs extend beyond tail, unlike Wedge-rumped or Band-rumped Storm-petrel.
Description
An overall blackish-brown storm petrel with a square-ended tail, white ‘horseshoe’ along upper tail, white rear flanks and a white belly. In flight, long legs extend to behind tail. Sexes ar alike. Juvenile similar to adult.
Galapagos Distribution
Found throughout the Galapagos Marine reserve, often following boats.
Global Distribution
Found along the west coast of South America between central Ecuador and central Chile along the Humboldt Current. Outside of the Galapagos, this species only breeds on Chungungo Island off the coast of Chille.
Status in the Galapagos
A common, year round breeding visitor with an endemic subspecies. Present year round.
Conservation
Although this speies is ranked as data deficient due to lack of knowledge about its breeding sites, it is not thought to be globally threatened. In the Galapagos alone there may be close to 30000 individuals.