General

Least Storm-Petrel: Small, rare storm-petrel with dark black-brown body and short, wedge-shaped tail. Wings have black wing tips and pale brown diagonal bars visible in flight. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Least Storm-Petrel: Breeds on rocky islands off both coasts of Baja California. In summer and fall ranges northward to San Diego County, California. Pelagic, comes ashore only to breed.

Breeding and Nesting

Least Storm-Petrel: One white egg is laid on a bare rock or in a crevice. Incubation is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Least Storm-Petrel: Feeds on small marine organisms, including macroscopic zooplankton snatched from surface.

Vocalization

Least Storm-Petrel: Silent at sea. Makes twittering and squeaking notes while incubating eggs.

Similar Species

Least Storm-Petrel: Ashy Storm-Petrel is larger with paler underwings and forked tail. Black Storm-Petrel is much larger with forked tail. Other storm-petrels have pale rumps.