Jouanin's Petrel vs White-chinned Petrel

In short

Jouanin's Petrel is a smaller, all-dark petrel with a long wedge-shaped tail, while the White-chinned Petrel is larger, with a distinctive white chin and a pale bill. Both species are dark overall, but their size and bill color are key differentiators.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white chin and pale bill on the White-chinned Petrel. 2. Note the smaller size and uniform dark plumage of Jouanin's Petrel. 3. Observe behavior: White-chinned Petrels often follow ships. 4. Consider location: Jouanin's Petrel is in the Indian Ocean, while White-chinned Petrel is more southern.

Size

Jouanin's Petrel is smaller and more slender compared to the bulkier White-chinned Petrel.

Plumage

Jouanin's Petrel is uniformly sooty-brown to blackish-brown, sometimes showing a weak pale bar on the upperwing-coverts. The White-chinned Petrel is also dark but has a distinctive white chin and a large, pale bill.

Behaviour

White-chinned Petrels often gather in groups and follow ships, while Jouanin's Petrels are less likely to do so.

Habitat

Jouanin's Petrel is found in the Indian Ocean, while White-chinned Petrel breeds on subantarctic islands and disperses across the Southern Ocean.