Mottled Petrel vs Black-winged Petrel

In short

The Mottled Petrel and Black-winged Petrel can be distinguished by their wing patterns and overall coloration. The Mottled Petrel has a more mottled gray and white appearance with a distinctive dark 'M' pattern on the upper wings, while the Black-winged Petrel has a cleaner, more uniform gray upperwing with contrasting black wingtips.

Identification tips

1. Look for the dark 'M' pattern on the upper wings of the Mottled Petrel. 2. Note the cleaner gray upperwing and black wingtips of the Black-winged Petrel. 3. Consider the location: Mottled Petrels are more likely in colder waters, while Black-winged Petrels prefer warmer regions. 4. Use binoculars to check for the bulkier build of the Mottled Petrel.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Mottled Petrel is slightly bulkier with a more robust build.

Plumage

The Mottled Petrel shows a mottled gray and white plumage with a dark 'M' pattern on the upper wings. In contrast, the Black-winged Petrel has a cleaner gray upperwing with prominent black wingtips and a paler face.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar flight patterns typical of petrels, with dynamic, gliding flight over the ocean. No significant behavioral differences are noted.

Habitat

Both species are pelagic and are often found far from land, but the Mottled Petrel is more likely to be seen in colder, subantarctic waters, while the Black-winged Petrel is more common in warmer, subtropical regions.

Voice

Vocalizations are not typically a reliable field mark for these species as they are mostly silent at sea and vocalize primarily at breeding colonies.