Hawaiian Petrel Identification

A large, dark-and-white petrel with long, pointed wings often held pushed slightly forward and crooked at the wrist. Underparts are mostly white, but note thick black leading edge to wing that extends diagonally across the inner wing.

All-dark upperparts range from slaty gray to brown depending on feather wear. Note long, tapered tail and white forehead contrasting with blackish hood.

A large petrel, mostly white below and dark above. In strong winds, flies fast with high wheeling arcs and little or no flapping.

In strong winds flies in high, wheeling arcs.

Breeds only in the Hawaiian Islands, then disperses widely in the Pacific Ocean, with some birds reaching western North American waters.

Feeds mainly on squid, fish, and crustaceans, often by swooping down and plucking prey from the water surface.