Kerguelen Petrel vs Great-winged Petrel

In short

The Kerguelen Petrel and Great-winged Petrel can be distinguished primarily by their wing structure and plumage tone. Kerguelen Petrels have a more compact build with shorter wings, while Great-winged Petrels exhibit longer, more pointed wings. Plumage differences are subtle but notable in certain lighting conditions.

Identification tips

1. Look for the wing structure: Kerguelen Petrels have shorter, more rounded wings, while Great-winged Petrels have longer, pointed wings. 2. Observe the plumage tone: Kerguelen Petrels are darker gray, whereas Great-winged Petrels have a browner hue. 3. Consider the size: Kerguelen Petrels are smaller and more compact. 4. Note the habitat: If seen in subantarctic waters, Kerguelen Petrels are more likely.

Size

Kerguelen Petrels are generally smaller and more compact compared to the larger and more robust Great-winged Petrels.

Plumage

Kerguelen Petrels have a darker, more uniform gray plumage, while Great-winged Petrels show a slightly browner tone with more contrast between the upperparts and underparts.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar flight patterns typical of petrels, but Great-winged Petrels may appear more graceful due to their longer wingspan.

Habitat

Both species are pelagic and often found in similar oceanic regions, but Kerguelen Petrels are more closely associated with subantarctic waters.

Voice

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