White-headed Petrel vs Black-winged Petrel

The White-headed Petrel is distinguished by its white head and contrasting dark upperparts, while the Black-winged Petrel has a more uniform appearance with dark wings and a grayish head. These differences in head and wing coloration are the most reliable field marks when identifying these species.

Look for the white head of the White-headed Petrel compared to the grayish head of the Black-winged Petrel. Note the dark wings of the Black-winged Petrel, which contrast with the White-headed Petrel's overall coloration.

The White-headed Petrel has a striking white head and dark upperparts, creating a strong contrast. In contrast, the Black-winged Petrel features dark wings and a grayish head, resulting in a more uniform appearance.