Spectacled Petrel vs Sooty Shearwater
Procellaria conspicillata versus Ardenna grisea
Play a quiz with Spectacled Petrel and Sooty Shearwater
Spectacled Petrel
Sooty Shearwater
In short
The Spectacled Petrel is best identified by its distinctive white 'spectacles' around the eyes, which the Sooty Shearwater lacks. Both species are dark seabirds, but their facial markings and overall coloration help in distinguishing them.
Identification tips
Look for the white 'spectacles' on the Spectacled Petrel when observing at sea. The Sooty Shearwater will appear uniformly dark without these facial markings.
Plumage
The Spectacled Petrel has a unique white 'spectacle' marking around its eyes, contrasting with its dark plumage. In contrast, the Sooty Shearwater is uniformly dark without any white facial markings.