Black-capped Petrel Photo Gallery
(White-faced)
A medium-sized seabird with a black cap, white underparts, and mostly white underwings with black tips and broad black edges.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, June 08, 2018(White-faced)
The “White-faced” form has a smaller black cap bordered by a large white neck collar and a thin white line running through the eye. Note also the weaker chest spur (nearly absent here) than on the “Dark-faced” form.
© Kate Sutherland / Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, April 24, 2023(Dark-faced)
Strikingly patterned above, with the large white rump patch and white neck collar contrasting with the otherwise dark upperparts.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, May 20, 2008(White-faced)
In stronger wind, flies in a roller coaster pattern, with high arcs alternating with descending glides.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, June 08, 2018(Dark-faced)
The “Dark-faced” form has a larger black cap that surrounds the dark eye, a wide brownish spur that extends onto the side of the chest, and a brownish hindneck.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, June 08, 2018Looking for ID Help?
Get a customized list of birds from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.
View Birds Near MeSpecies in This Family
Shearwaters and Petrels(Order: Procellariiformes, Family: Procellariidae)
More to Read
Search species and articles
Explore birds based on location and time of year.
View Birds Near MeDon't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.