Key Identification Features
- Fregetta grallaria, commonly called the white-bellied storm petrel, is characterized by specific color patterns, the form of its nasal tubes, tail shape, claw structure, and leg bone proportions.
- It has long legs; the specific epithet grallaria comes from the Latin word for stilts, and a key distinguishing feature is that its toes usually do not extend past the tip of the tail.
- The main distinguishing feature of fork-tailed storm petrels is their overall bluish-gray plumage.
- This species is a very distinctive member of the storm petrel family, with a dark cap, white face and underparts, a forked tail, and a black band across the chest.
For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.
