European Storm-Petrel vs Sooty Shearwater

In short

The European Storm-Petrel and the Sooty Shearwater are both seabirds but differ significantly in size and appearance. The European Storm-Petrel is much smaller and has a distinctive fluttering flight, while the Sooty Shearwater is larger with a more powerful, gliding flight.

Identification tips

1. Size: Look for the much smaller size of the European Storm-Petrel. 2. Plumage: Note the white rump of the European Storm-Petrel. 3. Flight Pattern: Observe the fluttering flight of the storm-petrel versus the gliding of the shearwater. 4. Location: Consider the geographical location and season; Sooty Shearwaters are often seen during migration in different hemispheres.

Size

The European Storm-Petrel is much smaller, about the size of a sparrow, whereas the Sooty Shearwater is larger, comparable to a crow.

Plumage

The European Storm-Petrel is mostly black with a white rump, while the Sooty Shearwater is uniformly dark brown or sooty grey without a contrasting rump.

Behaviour

European Storm-Petrels have a fluttering flight pattern, often appearing to 'dance' on the water surface. In contrast, Sooty Shearwaters exhibit a strong, direct flight with long glides.

Habitat

Both species are pelagic, but the European Storm-Petrel is more commonly found in European waters, while the Sooty Shearwater has a broader range, often seen in the Southern Hemisphere and during migrations.

Voice

European Storm-Petrels are known for their distinctive calls at breeding colonies, whereas Sooty Shearwaters are generally silent at sea.