Leach's storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa

Identification Tips:

• Sexes similar
• Pelagic bird only coming ashore to breed
• Medium-sized storm-petrel
• Dark bill with tube on top
• Very dark plumage
• Gray carpal bar
• White rump patch divided or missing(Southern California)
• Forked tail
• Deep wingbeats
• Flight style reminiscent of nighthawk

Similar species:

Most likely to be confused with other storm petrels. Black, Ashy, and Least have dark rumps. Smaller Wilson's has a whiter rump, squared tail, yellow feet often protruding beyond tail, and a different flight style. Band-rumped has an undivided rump patch and slightly different flight style- more direct with shearwater-like glides.