Ashy Storm-Petrel vs Tristram's Storm-Petrel

In short

The Ashy Storm-Petrel and Tristram's Storm-Petrel are both small seabirds of the Northern Hemisphere, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and subtle differences in behavior. The Ashy Storm-Petrel is generally darker overall, while Tristram's Storm-Petrel has lighter underparts. Both species are nocturnal at their breeding colonies and are difficult to observe.

Identification tips

• Look for the overall darker plumage of the Ashy Storm-Petrel.
• Note the lighter underparts of Tristram's Storm-Petrel.
• Both species are nocturnal at their breeding colonies, which may make them difficult to observe.

Plumage

Ashy Storm-Petrel is darker overall compared to Tristram's Storm-Petrel, which has lighter underparts.