Polynesian Storm-Petrel vs Wedge-tailed Shearwater

The Polynesian Storm-Petrel and Wedge-tailed Shearwater can be distinguished by their flight patterns and tail shapes. The Wedge-tailed Shearwater is known for its long, wedge-shaped tail and buoyant gliding flight, while the Polynesian Storm-Petrel has a more fluttery flight and lacks the distinctive tail shape.

Look for the wedge-shaped tail and buoyant gliding flight of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater. In contrast, the Polynesian Storm-Petrel will have a more fluttery flight and lacks the distinctive tail shape.

The Wedge-tailed Shearwater is larger and more robust compared to the smaller Polynesian Storm-Petrel.

The Wedge-tailed Shearwater, particularly in its light morph, shows irregularly white undersurfaces of the wings and pale scaly edgings to back feathers, whereas the Polynesian Storm-Petrel typically has a more uniform dark plumage.

Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are often seen in flocks and exhibit unhurried, buoyant glides with stiff wingbeats. In contrast, Polynesian Storm-Petrels have a more erratic, fluttery flight pattern.

Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are fairly common in warm tropical waters and can sometimes be seen from shore, whereas Polynesian Storm-Petrels are less frequently observed and may not be as commonly seen from land.