Murphy's Petrel vs Soft-plumaged Petrel

Murphy's Petrel and Soft-plumaged Petrel can be tricky to differentiate, but key differences in plumage and structure can help. Murphy's Petrel generally has a more uniform dark plumage, while Soft-plumaged Petrel exhibits a contrasting light underwing and a distinctive dark cap.

Look for the contrasting light underwing and dark cap of the Soft-plumaged Petrel, especially when observing birds in flight. Murphy's Petrel's more uniform dark appearance can be a distinguishing feature.

Murphy's Petrel typically shows a more uniform dark plumage with less contrast, whereas Soft-plumaged Petrel has a contrasting light underwing and a noticeable dark cap. Soft-plumaged Petrel may also appear in both dark and light morphs, adding to its variability.