SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL Pterodroma mollis

SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL Pterodroma mollis

L 33–36 cm, WS 86–92 cm.

IDENTIFICATION 

Vagrant from Southern Oceans. Plumage very similar to Fea’s and Zino’s Petrels, and field separation of the three still controversial. More variable in size, some being as small as Zino’s, others as large as Fea’s. Differs in having (usually) a complete dark breast band, but this is of variable width. In many the breast band narrows and is of reduced intensity across the centre of the upper breast: in some there is a complete gap in this area. Extent of variation in breast band of Zino’s still uncertain, however, so this feature should be used with caution (although any bird with broad, unbroken band would certainly be Soft-plumaged). Also shows more uniform upperparts (with mid-grey uppertail coverts and tail): in both Fea’s and Zino’s the uppertail coverts and tail are pale, pearly grey and contrast with darker grey mantle and back. Bill proportionately a little less deep than typical Fea’s (and heavier than Zino’s), but this difference unlikely to be of use in the field. A very rare dark morph, sooty-grey overall apart from a reduced white patch on underwing (and possibly an indistinct darker breast band) has been recorded.

VOICE 

Silent at sea.
 

STATUS/HABITAT 

Vagrant (Madeira, possibly elsewhere). Pelagic away from breeding colonies.