Black-capped Petrel vs Bermuda Petrel

Black-capped Petrel

Pterodroma hasitata

How to recognise a black-capped petrel?

General Appearance

The Black-capped Petrel is an elusive seabird characterized by its striking coloration and streamlined body. It has a distinctive contrasting black cap extending over the nape with a prominent white forehead. The bird's back and upper wings are dark grey to black, while the underparts are predominantly white, creating a beautiful contrast during flight. A notable white rump patch and underwing pattern with dark edges make it recognizable from below. Its long, narrow wings are adapted for dynamic soaring, and a short tail adds to its sleek profile.

Male vs Female

There is little to no sexual dimorphism in the Black-capped Petrel, meaning males and females appear very similar in size, shape, and coloration. Both sexes share the same distinctive plumage features, making it difficult to differentiate between the two based solely on physical attributes.

Juvenile

Juvenile Black-capped Petrels exhibit similar plumage to adults with some variances in shading and feather condition. The primary differences may include slightly duller coloration and less distinct boundaries between black and white patches, particularly on the wings and cap. As juveniles mature, they acquire the clearer, more sharply defined markings of adult plumage. Juveniles may also display less worn plumage as they have yet to face the wear and hardships of migration.

Size

15.7 - 18.1 in/12.9 - 14.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Black-capped Petrel primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical marine environments, preferring steep cliffs and high seas of the Caribbean region. They are mainly found in the North Atlantic Ocean, nesting on forested slopes of remote islands such as Hispaniola. This seabird thrives in warm, humid climates with a suitable mix of marine and moderately forested ecosystems.

Additional range

Though primarily marine, Black-capped Petrels occasionally forage in diverse oceanic areas, adaptable to varied pelagic conditions. They may be spotted during migration over the northern and southern Atlantic zones, demonstrating their capability to navigate vast marine stretches well beyond their conventional habitat.

Range Map

What do black-capped petrels like to eat?

Natural diet

In the wild, the Black-capped Petrel subsists primarily on a diet rich in marine resources. It favors small fish, squid, and various crustaceans found near the ocean surface. Occasionally, the bird may consume zooplankton and a variety of soft-bodied invertebrates it encounters while foraging offshore. Although it is predominantly piscivorous, the availability of food can vary with seasons, often peaking in abundance during breeding periods when these birds require more energy reserves.

Bird feeders

The Black-capped Petrel is not typically seen at backyard bird feeders, as its dietary habits are more closely aligned with oceanic environments rather than terrestrial ones. It does not usually consume seeds, suet, or fruits commonly offered in these settings. Instead, the species' feeding behavior is adapted to open-sea foraging, making bird feeders irrelevant to its primary nutritional requirements.

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Bermuda Petrel

Pterodroma cahow

Also known as: Cahow

How to recognise a bermuda petrel?

General appearance

The Bermuda Petrel, also known as the Cahow, exhibits a graceful maritime silhouette with a distinctive coloration that aids in identification. Its plumage is primarily dark gray on the wings and back, contrasting with the predominantly white underparts, creating a striking appearance. The face features a white forehead that connects to a collar of darker feathers around the nape, while the bill is slender and black, adapted for catching prey in its oceanic habitat.

Male vs female

In terms of physical appearance, there is minimal sexual dimorphism between male and female Bermuda Petrels. Both sexes share similar plumage patterns, size, and coloration, making it challenging to distinguish between them in the wild based solely on appearance. Behavioral observations during breeding seasons may offer more accurate ways to differentiate them as both sexes contribute equally to incubation and chick-rearing.

Juvenile

Juvenile Bermuda Petrels bear a close resemblance to adults but can be distinguished by slightly duller and more uniform plumage. The gray coloration on their wings and back lacks the subtle iridescence seen in adults, and their facial features may appear more subdued. Over time, as juveniles mature, they molt into the sharper, more contrasty plumage of adulthood. Despite these differences, distinguishing them at sea requires careful observation due to the similarity in their size and overall appearance.

Size

15.7 in/4.0 - 7.0 oz

Habitat

Primary Habitat

The Bermuda Petrel, also known as the Cahow, primarily resides on small rocky islets in the Bermuda archipelago. These regions offer the ideal nesting grounds, characterized by dense vegetation and a subtropical climate. The birds prefer secluded, undisturbed areas with easy access to the ocean for feeding, typically within the North Atlantic's moderate temperatures.

Additional Range

Though the Bermuda Petrel's range is predominantly localized, they occasionally roam to unexpected territories during their foraging expeditions. These seabirds adapt well to open ocean environments, sometimes venturing further into temperate waters beyond their primary nesting sites. Their adaptability ensures survival across varied marine climates.

Range Map

What do bermuda petrels like to eat?

Natural diet

The Bermuda Petrel, also known as the Cahow, primarily feeds on a diet composed of small fish, squid, and crustaceans. As a pelagic bird, it sources its food from the open ocean. The consumption of these marine creatures provides the necessary nutrients for their survival. Seasonal variations affect their diet as certain marine species become more abundant at different times of the year. During spring and summer, they might find a larger quantity of prey as fish and squid populations tend to be more accessible.

Bird feeders

Bermuda Petrels do not typically frequent bird feeders because of their pelagic lifestyle. They spend the majority of their time far from land, navigating vast expanses of ocean to seek food. As such, traditional bird feeder setups with seed mixes, suet, or fruits do not cater to their specific dietary needs. Additionally, the Bermuda Petrel relies on live marine prey and does not consume the typical bird feeder offerings that attract terrestrial or land-based bird species. Hence, feeding them at bird feeders is neither feasible nor necessary to support their natural diet.

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Black-capped Petrel

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Bermuda Petrel

Black-capped Petrel

Pterodroma hasitata

General Appearance

The Black-capped Petrel is an elusive seabird characterized by its striking coloration and streamlined body. It has a distinctive contrasting black cap extending over the nape with a prominent white forehead. The bird's back and upper wings are dark grey to black, while the underparts are predominantly white, creating a beautiful contrast during flight. A notable white rump patch and underwing pattern with dark edges make it recognizable from below. Its long, narrow wings are adapted for dynamic soaring, and a short tail adds to its sleek profile.

Male vs Female

There is little to no sexual dimorphism in the Black-capped Petrel, meaning males and females appear very similar in size, shape, and coloration. Both sexes share the same distinctive plumage features, making it difficult to differentiate between the two based solely on physical attributes.

Juvenile

Juvenile Black-capped Petrels exhibit similar plumage to adults with some variances in shading and feather condition. The primary differences may include slightly duller coloration and less distinct boundaries between black and white patches, particularly on the wings and cap. As juveniles mature, they acquire the clearer, more sharply defined markings of adult plumage. Juveniles may also display less worn plumage as they have yet to face the wear and hardships of migration.

Size

15.7 - 18.1 in/12.9 - 14.3 oz

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Bermuda Petrel

Pterodroma cahow

Also known as: Cahow

General appearance

The Bermuda Petrel, also known as the Cahow, exhibits a graceful maritime silhouette with a distinctive coloration that aids in identification. Its plumage is primarily dark gray on the wings and back, contrasting with the predominantly white underparts, creating a striking appearance. The face features a white forehead that connects to a collar of darker feathers around the nape, while the bill is slender and black, adapted for catching prey in its oceanic habitat.

Male vs female

In terms of physical appearance, there is minimal sexual dimorphism between male and female Bermuda Petrels. Both sexes share similar plumage patterns, size, and coloration, making it challenging to distinguish between them in the wild based solely on appearance. Behavioral observations during breeding seasons may offer more accurate ways to differentiate them as both sexes contribute equally to incubation and chick-rearing.

Juvenile

Juvenile Bermuda Petrels bear a close resemblance to adults but can be distinguished by slightly duller and more uniform plumage. The gray coloration on their wings and back lacks the subtle iridescence seen in adults, and their facial features may appear more subdued. Over time, as juveniles mature, they molt into the sharper, more contrasty plumage of adulthood. Despite these differences, distinguishing them at sea requires careful observation due to the similarity in their size and overall appearance.

Size

15.7 in/4.0 - 7.0 oz

There's more to learn about Bermuda Petrel

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How to tell the Black-capped Petrel from the Bermuda Petrel

Visual differences

The Black-capped Petrel (15.7-18.1 inches, 12.9-14.3 ounces) exhibits a striking black cap and contrasting white underparts with well-defined black-and-white wing patterns. The Bermuda Petrel (15.7 inches, 4-7 ounces) features dark gray upper wings and back, white underparts, and a distinctive white forehead with a darker collar. The Black-capped has a stouter bill compared to the Bermuda's slender black bill. Key differences include the Black-capped's sharper black-and-white contrasts and larger size compared to the Bermuda Petrel's subtler gray tones and smaller stature.

Key differences and behavior

The Black-capped Petrel and Bermuda Petrel, both nocturnal birds, differ in their behavior and habits. Black-capped Petrels inhabit subtropical marine environments, often traveling extensively over the ocean before returning to Caribbean islands to nest. Bermuda Petrels, primarily located around Bermuda, nest on rocky islets and adapt to temperate waters. Black-capped Petrels are sociable in nocturnal courtship maneuvers, forming strong pair bonds with aerial displays from January to April, while Bermuda Petrels start breeding in November, exhibiting twilight courtship and preening. Both feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. However, Black-capped Petrels foray into diverse oceanic zones, whereas Bermuda Petrels occasionally extend into temperate waters beyond their primary range. Despite similarities in diet, differences in habitat and courtship differentiate them in the field.