Storm Petrels [Hydrobatidae]

Description

The Hydrobatidae, or storm petrels, are the smallest seabirds, known for their fluttering flight just above the water's surface, as if walking on it. They are distinguished by their dark plumage, often with white patches. These birds are highly pelagic, spending most of their life at sea, coming ashore only to breed in colonies in crevices, burrows, or under vegetation. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the ocean surface. Storm petrels are notable for their nocturnal feeding habits and for being more resistant to adverse weather conditions, hence their name.

Genera

Taxonomy