Fea's Petrel vs Barolo Shearwater

Fea's Petrel

Pterodroma feae

How to recognise a fea's petrel?

General appearance

The Fea's Petrel is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its grey and white plumage. It has a distinctive dark grey back and wings with a contrasting white underside. The bird's head is also grey with a noticeable white forehead and a blackish crown. A dark eye patch extends behind the eyes, giving it a striking appearance. Its tail is short, and its bill is black, providing a sharp contrast against its lighter facial features.

Male vs female

In Fea's Petrel, there is minimal sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look largely similar. Both sexes exhibit the same coloration and pattern on their plumage. However, size can be a distinguishing factor, with males slightly larger than females. Aside from this slight size differentiation, males and females are virtually indistinguishable in the field.

Juvenile

Juvenile Fea's Petrels resemble adults but have subtle differences in plumage. The grey feathers might appear slightly duller or paler compared to a glossy adult. Young birds may also exhibit softer facial markings until they mature. As they age, their coloration becomes more defined. Despite these differences, juveniles can still be identified by their characteristic grey and white appearance similar to adults.

Size

13.0 - 14.6 in/8.1 - 13.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Fea's Petrel predominantly prefers to inhabit the subtropical regions of the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly nesting on the rocky cliffs and offshore islets of Madeira and the Canary Islands. The species thrives in areas with abundant sea breezes and cooler ocean currents, providing optimal feeding grounds rich in squid and small fish.

Additional range

Apart from its primary breeding grounds, Fea’s Petrel can occasionally be encountered in unexpected open sea environments, driven by sporadic changes in ocean currents. While rare, sightings have been reported off the coasts of western Africa and southern Europe's Iberian Peninsula, illustrating its adaptability to varying maritime climates beyond its typical range.

Range Map

What do fea's petrels like to eat?

Natural Diet

The Fea's Petrel primarily feeds on a variety of marine organisms available in their wild habitats. This bird mainly relies on small fish and squid, which they catch by surface-seizing while gliding above the ocean's waves. The diet is complemented by crustaceans and other small marine invertebrates. The feeding habits of Fea's Petrels harmonize with the availability of prey, leading to minor seasonal variations. During breeding season, when their energy demands are higher, they may focus more on energy-rich food sources like squid, which also appear more abundant following particular oceanic currents and temperature changes.

Bird Feeders

Fea's Petrels are pelagic birds, spending most of their life in the open ocean; hence, they rarely visit traditional land-based bird feeders. In the unlikely event they venture near coastal regions or islands where feeders are set up, there might be limited interaction. They do not typically consume seeds, suet, or fruits, which are common offerings at bird feeders for terrestrial birds. Instead, they continue to demonstrate a strong preference for their natural marine diet, which is more challenging to provide outside of their natural habitats.

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Barolo Shearwater

Puffinus baroli

How to recognise a barolo shearwater?

General Appearance

The Barolo Shearwater is a small seabird, typically measuring about 27-30 cm in length with a wingspan ranging between 67-72 cm. Its plumage is predominantly black and white, with the upper parts including the back and wings being a rich black while the underparts, including the belly and underwings, are a bright white. A distinct and thin black band runs across the leading edges of the wings, visible in flight. Their beak is slender and dark gray, complementing their small rounded head. Legs and feet are also dark, often having a slightly bluish tint.

Male vs Female

The Barolo Shearwater shows no significant sexual dimorphism as both males and females have similar size and plumage. This similarity in appearance makes it challenging to distinguish their sexes visually in the wild. Observations during the breeding season might provide slight variations in behavior rather than physical characteristics. Hence, both sexes are equally involved in nesting duties, including incubation and feeding of the chicks.

Juvenile

Juvenile Barolo Shearwaters differ slightly from adults primarily in the sharpness and intensity of their plumage colors. Younger birds may appear duller with a less distinct contrast between the black and white areas. The feather edges in juveniles often have a slightly frayed look as they transition into adult plumage. As they mature, they quickly take on the brighter and more defined coloration seen in adults. However, there are no drastic changes in size or shape between juveniles and adults.

Size

11.0 - 13.0 in/6.0 oz

Habitat

Primary Habitat

The Barolo Shearwater primarily inhabits subtropical and temperate marine environments. They are typically found around the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira. These seabirds prefer open oceans and coastal waters, especially during breeding periods, where they nest in cliffs and rocky shores to take advantage of sea breezes for effortless take-off.

Additional Range

Though mainly found in the Atlantic near their breeding grounds, Barolo Shearwaters have been spotted in less expected areas like the North Sea and off the western coasts of Africa. This indicates their adaptability and occasional ventures outside subtropical zones, possibly driven by changing food availability or migratory patterns.

Range Map

What do barolo shearwaters like to eat?

Natural diet

The Barolo Shearwater primarily feeds on small fish and squid found in their marine environment. Their diet largely consists of forage fish such as anchovies, sardines, and other small shoaling species. During the breeding season, they may also consume crustaceans and plankton available in the Atlantic Ocean. These birds are adapted to plunge-diving and surface-seizing techniques to catch their prey. Seasonal variations in their diet occur, as they travel across different ocean regions, yet small fish remain the core component.

Bird feeders

Barolo Shearwaters do not typically visit terrestrial bird feeders. As marine birds, their dietary habits are not well-suited for land-based feeder offerings like seeds, fruits, or suet. Their nutritional needs are met via their oceanic diet, which provides essential proteins and oils. Consequently, setting up a conventional bird feeder would not attract these seabirds. However, preserving their natural habitats and ensuring healthy ocean ecosystems are crucial for their sustenance. Efforts to keep coastal and marine areas free of pollution and disturbances can indirectly support their dietary needs.

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Fea's Petrel

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Barolo Shearwater

Fea's Petrel

Pterodroma feae

General appearance

The Fea's Petrel is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its grey and white plumage. It has a distinctive dark grey back and wings with a contrasting white underside. The bird's head is also grey with a noticeable white forehead and a blackish crown. A dark eye patch extends behind the eyes, giving it a striking appearance. Its tail is short, and its bill is black, providing a sharp contrast against its lighter facial features.

Male vs female

In Fea's Petrel, there is minimal sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look largely similar. Both sexes exhibit the same coloration and pattern on their plumage. However, size can be a distinguishing factor, with males slightly larger than females. Aside from this slight size differentiation, males and females are virtually indistinguishable in the field.

Juvenile

Juvenile Fea's Petrels resemble adults but have subtle differences in plumage. The grey feathers might appear slightly duller or paler compared to a glossy adult. Young birds may also exhibit softer facial markings until they mature. As they age, their coloration becomes more defined. Despite these differences, juveniles can still be identified by their characteristic grey and white appearance similar to adults.

Size

13.0 - 14.6 in/8.1 - 13.1 oz

There's more to learn about Fea's Petrel

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Barolo Shearwater

Puffinus baroli

General Appearance

The Barolo Shearwater is a small seabird, typically measuring about 27-30 cm in length with a wingspan ranging between 67-72 cm. Its plumage is predominantly black and white, with the upper parts including the back and wings being a rich black while the underparts, including the belly and underwings, are a bright white. A distinct and thin black band runs across the leading edges of the wings, visible in flight. Their beak is slender and dark gray, complementing their small rounded head. Legs and feet are also dark, often having a slightly bluish tint.

Male vs Female

The Barolo Shearwater shows no significant sexual dimorphism as both males and females have similar size and plumage. This similarity in appearance makes it challenging to distinguish their sexes visually in the wild. Observations during the breeding season might provide slight variations in behavior rather than physical characteristics. Hence, both sexes are equally involved in nesting duties, including incubation and feeding of the chicks.

Juvenile

Juvenile Barolo Shearwaters differ slightly from adults primarily in the sharpness and intensity of their plumage colors. Younger birds may appear duller with a less distinct contrast between the black and white areas. The feather edges in juveniles often have a slightly frayed look as they transition into adult plumage. As they mature, they quickly take on the brighter and more defined coloration seen in adults. However, there are no drastic changes in size or shape between juveniles and adults.

Size

11.0 - 13.0 in/6.0 oz

There's more to learn about Barolo Shearwater

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How to tell the Fea's Petrel from the Barolo Shearwater

Visual differences

Fea's Petrel is larger, measuring 13-14.5 inches in length and weighing 8-13 ounces, compared to Barolo Shearwater's 11-13 inches and 6 ounces. Fea's Petrel features grey and white plumage with a dark grey back, white underside, and distinctive dark eye patch. In contrast, Barolo Shearwater exhibits a sharper black and white contrast in their plumage. Fea's Petrel has a black bill and a short tail, whereas Barolo Shearwater displays a more streamlined body and tends to look sleeker in flight with less distinct plumage differences.

Key differences and behavior

Fea's Petrel and Barolo Shearwater both inhabit North Atlantic regions, but Fea's Petrel is a master of long-distance ocean navigation, rarely seen on land. Conversely, the nocturnal Barolo Shearwater actively navigates night skies, performing aerial displays. Fea's Petrel breeds on rocky cliffs of Madeira and Canary Islands, forming strong pair bonds. Barolo Shearwater, nesting in Azores and Canary Islands, also forms monogamous pairs, with breeding activities at night. Both species lay one egg annually, with incubation lasting 45-50 days. Diets consist mainly of small fish and squid, but Barolo Shearwater also includes crustaceans and plankton. Weighing 170g and 28-33 inches long, Barolo Shearwater is smaller than Fea's Petrel, which weighs 230-370g and measures 33-37 inches.