Great-winged Petrel vs Soft-plumaged Petrel

In short

The Great-winged Petrel and Soft-plumaged Petrel are both medium-sized seabirds with similar dark plumage, but they can be distinguished by structural differences and subtle plumage details. Great-winged Petrels are generally bulkier with longer wings and a more robust bill compared to the more slender Soft-plumaged Petrel.

Identification tips

1. Size and Structure: Look for the larger size and bulkier build of the Great-winged Petrel. 2. Bill: Note the more robust bill of the Great-winged Petrel compared to the slender bill of the Soft-plumaged Petrel. 3. Plumage: Check for the uniform dark plumage of the Great-winged Petrel versus potential pale facial and underwing contrasts in the Soft-plumaged Petrel. 4. Location: Consider the typical oceanic zones each species frequents, with Great-winged Petrels favoring subtropical and temperate waters.

Size

Great-winged Petrels are larger and bulkier than Soft-plumaged Petrels, with longer wings and a more robust bill.

Plumage

Both species are predominantly dark, but the Great-winged Petrel is uniformly so, while the Soft-plumaged Petrel may show a contrasting pale face and underwing pattern in some morphs.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar flight patterns typical of petrels, with dynamic soaring and gliding over the ocean, making behavior a less reliable differentiator.

Habitat

Both species are pelagic, often found far from land, but the Great-winged Petrel is more commonly associated with subtropical and temperate waters, whereas the Soft-plumaged Petrel can be found in a wider range of oceanic zones.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable field mark as both species are typically silent at sea.