The Cape Verde storm petrel is an oceangoing bird found in the Atlantic Ocean, especially around the islands of Cape Verde. It was at one time considered to be a subspecies of the band-rumped storm petrel, but is now considered to be a separate species by the International Ornithological Congress and other authorities.
Region
Eastern Tropical Atlantic
Typical Environment
At sea it ranges around the Cape Verde archipelago and adjacent oceanic waters, typically far from land except during the breeding season. It favors productive offshore zones, including shelf edges and upwelling areas where prey concentrates near the surface. Breeding occurs on remote rocky islets with cliffs, boulder fields, and sparse vegetation, where it uses cavities for nesting. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely over tropical to subtropical Atlantic waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, nocturnal storm petrel breeds only in the Cape Verde archipelago but forages widely over the surrounding Atlantic. Long treated within the band-rumped storm petrel complex, it is now recognized as a distinct species by major taxonomic authorities. It nests in rock crevices or burrows and visits colonies only at night, where it is vulnerable to light pollution and introduced predators.
Temperament
pelagic and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant with quick, shallow wingbeats interspersed with short glides; often patters on the water surface
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies on remote islets, nesting in rock crevices or burrows and visiting only under cover of darkness. Pairs typically lay a single egg and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Adults are highly faithful to nesting sites across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives soft, purring trills and chattering calls, mostly at night from within crevices or in flight. Calls are subdued and carry short distances, helping birds locate mates and territories without attracting predators.
Plumage
Mostly sooty-brown to blackish with a clean pale rump band, long narrow wings, and a fairly square tail. Upperwings can show a slightly paler panel; underparts are uniformly dark.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fish, squid, and planktonic crustaceans taken from the surface. It often exploits natural slicks and convergence lines where prey accumulates. Foraging involves surface-seizing and picking while pattering on the water, occasionally diving shallowly. It may associate loosely with other seabirds over productive patches.
Preferred Environment
Open ocean waters off the Cape Verde islands, especially near upwellings, fronts, and shelf breaks. Rarely approaches coastlines away from nesting sites.
