European Storm-Petrel vs Great Shearwater

The European Storm-Petrel and Great Shearwater are both seabirds but differ significantly in size and plumage. The Great Shearwater is much larger with distinctive plumage features, while the European Storm-Petrel is smaller and more uniformly dark. These differences are key for identification in the field.

Look for the size difference first: the Great Shearwater is much larger. Check for the Great Shearwater's dark cap and brown belly-patch, which are absent in the European Storm-Petrel.

The Great Shearwater is significantly larger than the European Storm-Petrel.

The Great Shearwater has a dark cap and a brown belly-patch, with a white underwing marked by variable brown markings. In contrast, the European Storm-Petrel is more uniformly dark without these distinctive markings.