White-tailed Tropicbird vs Sooty Shearwater

In short

The White-tailed Tropicbird and Sooty Shearwater are distinct seabirds with different appearances and behaviors. The tropicbird is characterized by its striking white plumage and long tail streamers, while the shearwater is uniformly dark and lacks such tail features. Their habitats and behaviors also differ significantly, aiding in identification.

Identification tips

• Tail streamers: Look for the long, white tail streamers of the White-tailed Tropicbird.
• Plumage color: Note the all-white body with black wing markings of the tropicbird versus the uniform dark plumage of the shearwater.
• Behavior: Observe flight patterns; tropicbirds hover and circle, while shearwaters glide and flap less frequently.
• Habitat: Consider location; tropicbirds are near islands, shearwaters are more oceanic.

Size

White-tailed Tropicbirds are slightly smaller with a wingspan around 1 meter, whereas Sooty Shearwaters are larger with a wingspan up to 1.1 meters.

Plumage

White-tailed Tropicbirds have predominantly white plumage with black markings on the wings and a long, white tail with streamers. Sooty Shearwaters are uniformly dark brown to sooty gray, lacking the contrasting markings and long tail streamers.

Behaviour

White-tailed Tropicbirds are often seen hovering near boats and performing aerial displays, while Sooty Shearwaters are more likely to be seen gliding low over the water in flocks.

Habitat

White-tailed Tropicbirds are typically found over tropical and subtropical seas, often near islands. Sooty Shearwaters are more pelagic, found in both hemispheres, often far from land.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature in the field for these species, as both are generally silent at sea.