Pycroft's Petrel vs Fairy Prion
Pterodroma pycrofti versus Pachyptila turtur
Play a quiz with Pycroft's Petrel and Fairy Prion
Pycroft's Petrel
Fairy Prion
In short
Pycroft's Petrel and Fairy Prion can be distinguished by their wing patterns and habitat preferences. Pycroft's Petrel has a more uniform gray upperpart, while Fairy Prion features a distinctive black diagonal band across its wings. Both species are pelagic, but Fairy Prion is more likely to be found in temperate waters post-breeding.
Identification tips
Look for the black diagonal wing band on the Fairy Prion, which is absent in Pycroft's Petrel. Consider the location: Fairy Prion is more likely in temperate waters outside the breeding season.
Plumage
Pycroft's Petrel has uniform gray upperparts, whereas the Fairy Prion is noted for a black band that stretches diagonally from the leading edge of the primaries across its wings.
Habitat
Pycroft's Petrel is typically found in oceanic environments, while Fairy Prion, after breeding, moves north into temperate and subtropical waters.