General

Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel: Small storm-petrel, black-brown overall with large white patch on rump and central tail. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel: This species occurs along the Pacific Coast of North and South Americas. It breeds on Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, and on islands off the coast of Peru. In fall and winter, this bird is a casual visitor off the coast of central California. This species is pelagic, coming ashore only to breed.

Breeding and Nesting

Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel: A single white egg is laid in a rock crevice or burrow under a shrub. Incubation ranges from 41 to 42 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel: Eats mollusks, small crustaceans, plankton, and small fish. Usually feeds far out at sea, swooping down to snatch food from the surface.

Vocalization

Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel: Silent at sea. On breeding grounds gives soft growling calls.

Similar Species

Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel: Wilson's Storm-Petrel is larger with yellow feet and U-shaped rump patch that reaches only the middle of black tail.