Mottled Petrel vs Atlantic Petrel

In short

The Mottled Petrel and Atlantic Petrel are both medium-sized seabirds of the Procellariidae family, but they differ in plumage and distribution. Mottled Petrels have a more mottled appearance and are found in the Pacific, while Atlantic Petrels are darker and restricted to the South Atlantic.

Identification tips

1. Location: Mottled Petrel in the Pacific; Atlantic Petrel in the South Atlantic. 2. Plumage: Look for mottled gray and white in Mottled Petrel versus uniform dark brown in Atlantic Petrel. 3. Head Pattern: Mottled Petrel has a dark cap with a contrasting white face, unlike the more uniform head of the Atlantic Petrel.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized petrels.

Plumage

Mottled Petrels have a distinctive mottled gray and white pattern on their upperparts, with a contrasting dark cap and white underparts. In contrast, Atlantic Petrels are generally darker, with uniform dark brown plumage and less contrast between the head and body.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical petrel behaviors, such as dynamic soaring and gliding over the ocean. However, specific behavioral differences are not well-documented.

Habitat

Mottled Petrels are found in the Pacific Ocean, often near New Zealand, while Atlantic Petrels are restricted to the South Atlantic, breeding on Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well-documented for field identification, but both species are known to be more vocal at breeding sites.