Temminck's Courser vs Leach's Storm-Petrel

In short

Temminck's Courser and Leach's Storm-Petrel are vastly different in appearance and habitat. The courser is a terrestrial bird found in open, arid regions, while the storm-petrel is a seabird that frequents open oceans. Their distinct environments and behaviors make them unlikely to be confused in the field.

Identification tips

1. Habitat: Check the environment; coursers are in arid, terrestrial areas, storm-petrels are over oceans. 2. Plumage: Look for the courser's sandy-brown color and white supercilium versus the storm-petrel's dark plumage with a pale rump. 3. Behavior: Note the courser's ground-dwelling habits compared to the storm-petrel's flight over water. 4. Vocalization: Listen for the storm-petrel's calls at sea, as the courser is mostly silent.

Size

Temminck's Courser is a medium-sized terrestrial bird, while Leach's Storm-Petrel is a small seabird.

Plumage

Temminck's Courser has a sandy-brown plumage with a distinctive white supercilium and a black crown stripe. Leach's Storm-Petrel is mostly dark with a forked tail and a pale rump patch.

Behaviour

Temminck's Courser is often seen running on the ground in open areas, while Leach's Storm-Petrel is typically observed flying over the ocean, often in a fluttering, erratic manner.

Habitat

Temminck's Courser inhabits dry, open grasslands and savannas, often near recently burned areas. Leach's Storm-Petrel is found over open ocean waters, rarely coming to land except to breed.

Voice

Temminck's Courser is generally silent, while Leach's Storm-Petrel has a distinctive, high-pitched call often heard at sea.