Markham's Storm-Petrel vs Bulwer's Petrel

In short

Markham's Storm-Petrel and Bulwer's Petrel can be distinguished by their tail shape and plumage tone. Markham's has a more squared tail and darker plumage, while Bulwer's features a longer, wedge-shaped tail and slightly paler coloration.

Identification tips

1. Tail Shape: Look for the squared tail of Markham's Storm-Petrel versus the wedge-shaped tail of Bulwer's Petrel. 2. Plumage Tone: Note the darker overall plumage of Markham's compared to the slightly paler Bulwer's. 3. Flight Behavior: Observe the flight pattern; Bulwer's Petrel often has a more erratic and buoyant flight.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but Bulwer's Petrel is slightly larger overall.

Plumage

Markham's Storm-Petrel is uniformly dark with a slightly paler rump, while Bulwer's Petrel has a more uniform dark brown plumage with a less distinct rump contrast.

Behaviour

Both species are pelagic and spend much of their time at sea, but Bulwer's Petrel is known for its erratic flight and often appears more buoyant.

Habitat

Markham's Storm-Petrel breeds in the Atacama Desert and is affected by light pollution, while Bulwer's Petrel nests in rock crevices on islands across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.