Northern Storm-petrels
Hydrobatidae
Family Distribution
This map shows the combined distribution of all species in the Hydrobatidae family.
Colour intensity indicates the number of species present in each region:
- Darker colours = More species
- Lighter colours = Fewer species
Notable Species
Attribute Champions
The European Storm-petrel displays remarkable agility with its distinctive flight pattern, fluttering close to the water's surface and making rapid changes in direction. Its ability to 'walk' on water whilst feeding demonstrates exceptional manoeuvrability.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, these small seabirds possess enough strength to withstand long periods at sea and to dig burrows for nesting. However, their lightweight build (35-50g) limits their overall strength compared to larger seabirds.
Leach's Storm-petrels demonstrate exceptional adaptability. They can drink seawater, excrete excess salt, and thrive in various oceanic environments. Their ability to locate food and nesting sites using their keen sense of smell further showcases their adaptability to challenging marine conditions.
Generally non-aggressive, Leach's Storm-petrels are more inclined to avoid confrontation, as evidenced by their nocturnal behaviour at breeding colonies to evade predators. They may display some aggression when defending nesting sites, but this is not a prominent trait.
With a lifespan of up to 30 years and the ability to undertake long-distance migrations across vast oceans, the European Storm-petrel demonstrates exceptional endurance. Their capacity to spend most of their lives at sea in varying conditions further supports this high endurance rating.
