CAPE PETREL Daption capense

CAPE PETREL Daption capense 

Pintado Petrel
L 38–40 cm, WS 81–91 cm.

IDENTIFICATION 

Vagrant from Southern Oceans. Distinctive large petrel with a fulmar-like flight action: a burst of stiff-winged beats is followed by glide. In strong winds bounds high above waves. Often follows ships. Species distinguished by unmistakable piebald plumage pattern. (Beware rarely encountered mottled partial-albino Northern Fulmar or partial-albino Sooty Shearwater with symmetrical patterning which could suggest this species.)

VOICE 

Generally silent away from breeding colonies.

STATUS/HABITAT 

Vagrant (W Europe). Pelagic away from breeding colonies.