Least Storm-petrel vs Swinhoe's Storm-petrel

Hydrobates microsoma compared with Hydrobates monorhis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Least Storm-petrel Swinhoe's Storm-petrel
Scientific Name Hydrobates microsoma Hydrobates monorhis
Order Procellariiformes Procellariiformes
Family Hydrobatidae Hydrobatidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Near Threatened
Length — —
Wingspan 23.8 cm (9.4 in) 30.5 cm (12.0 in)
Weight 18.0 g (0.63 oz) 39.55 g (1.40 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1 1
Population Trend — —

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Least Storm-petrel

Near Threatened

Swinhoe's Storm-petrel

About These Birds

Least Storm-petrel

World's smallest seabird at 13–15 cm. Sooty-black with white rump; short rounded wings. Breeds Baja California islands; ranges offshore in eastern Pacific to Ecuador. Feeds on zooplankton and small fish by pattering on the surface. Nocturnal at breeding colonies; Near Threatened.

Swinhoe's Storm-petrel

Swinhoe's Storm-petrel, 19–20 cm, breeds on small islands off Korea and in the western North Pacific, wintering in the Indian Ocean. Entirely dark sooty brown with a forked tail and white rump largely hidden. Long-distance migrant crossing two oceans. Planktivore; poorly studied due to nocturnal, crevice-nesting habits.

More Birds to Explore