Other names
Madeiran Storm-petrel is probably a newer name for this bird.  Expect boat announcers to call it Band-rumped for some time. Reference Only and Scofield (23) use the name Madeiran Storm-petrel.

Distribution
"An abundant storm-petrel ....occurring in the Atlantic and Pacific in both tropical and sub-tropical waters." (23-p. 228 )   In the Atlantic breeds on islets off St. Helena, Boatswainbird I. (near Ascension) , Cape Verde, Canary Islands. Two peaks of breeding activity June-September and January-May. (23)  indicate it is a candidate for two species.

Where To See
The August 2004 BBC canyons trip identified one Band-rumped Storm-petrel.  Several were seen on the July 19, 2008 trip, all in warm water. More commonly seen on pelagic trips from North Carolina.  Not seen near the coast.

Behavior
Patters feet on surface of water when feeding.

Feeds alone or in small groups. Attracted to chum and perhaps fish oil. According to Marshall Illif, the Band-rumped is often on the outside of small groups of WSP and the first to fly when boat approaches.  Look for a larger storm-petrel on outside of group.

Identification
New England birders need to separate Band-rumped from Wilson's and Leach's Storm-petrels.

Leach's and Band-rumped are both larger than Wilson's Storm-petrel. Wilson's feet trail behind tail and photographs may show the yellow webs between the toes.

Tail is not deeply notched as in the Leach's Storm-petrel.

Photographs can show the white rump wrapped around the sides of the rump.

Reference for this page: Albatrosses, Petrels & Shearwaters of the World by Derek Onley and Paul Scofield

Page author: Emmalee Tarry