New Zealand Storm-Petrel vs Black-bellied Storm-Petrel
Fregetta maoriana versus Fregetta tropica
Play a quiz with New Zealand Storm-Petrel and Black-bellied Storm-Petrel
New Zealand Storm-Petrel
Black-bellied Storm-Petrel
In short
The New Zealand Storm-Petrel and Black-bellied Storm-Petrel can be distinguished by the bold black central belly stripe of the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel, though this feature may be hard to see against dark water. The Black-bellied Storm-Petrel also has longer legs that project beyond the tail in flight and prefers colder, sub-Antarctic waters.
Identification tips
Look for the bold black central belly stripe on the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel. Check for longer legs that project beyond the tail in flight. Consider the habitat, as Black-bellied Storm-Petrel is found in colder, sub-Antarctic waters.
Plumage
Black-bellied Storm-Petrel shows a bold black central belly stripe and darker upperparts compared to the New Zealand Storm-Petrel. Both species have a black hood and dark upperwings.
Habitat
Black-bellied Storm-Petrel prefers colder waters and breeds in sub-Antarctic regions, while the New Zealand Storm-Petrel is not noted for this preference.
New Zealand Storm-Petrel · Black-bellied Storm-Petrel · My Tricky Birds