European Storm Petrel

Hydrobates pelagicus

The European Storm Petrel is a small seabird that breeds in the north Atlantic and Mediterranean. It has a dark plumage, with a distinctive white rump and a fluttering flight pattern. These birds are highly pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea, only returning to land to breed in rocky crevices and burrows. They feed on small fish and zooplankton, often foraging in the wake of ships. Despite their small size, they are strong and agile fliers, capable of covering vast distances during their migrations. The European Storm Petrel is known for its haunting, purring call that can be heard at their breeding colonies.

Habitat: Open ocean, coastal cliffs