Elliot's storm petrel is a species of seabird in the storm petrel family Oceanitidae. The species is also known as the white-vented storm petrel. There are two subspecies, O. g. gracilis, which is found in the Humboldt Current off Peru and Chile, and O. g. galapagoensis, which is found in the waters around the Galápagos Islands. It is a sooty-black storm petrel with a white rump and a white band crossing the lower belly and extending up the midline of the belly. It has long legs which extend beyond the body in flight.
Region
Southeast Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs offshore along the Humboldt Current from central Peru to northern Chile and in waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands. Strongly tied to cool, nutrient-rich upwelling zones where plankton and small fish are abundant. Breeds on remote islets or rocky coasts with burrows or crevices, visiting colonies mainly at night. When not breeding, it remains pelagic, ranging widely over open ocean but typically within productive current systems.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Elliot's storm petrel, also called the white-vented storm petrel, is a small pelagic seabird of the Southeast Pacific. It is notable for its white rump and a narrow white band across the lower belly, plus unusually long legs that project beyond the tail in flight. Two subspecies are generally recognized: O. g. gracilis in the Humboldt Current off Peru and Chile, and O. g. galapagoensis around the Galápagos Islands. Like other storm petrels, it often feeds by pattering on the water surface while picking prey.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; often hovers and patters on the surface
Social Behavior
Forms loose feeding aggregations at sea, often around upwellings or behind fishing vessels. Nests colonially on remote islands, laying a single egg in a burrow or rock crevice. Adults are largely nocturnal at colonies, reducing predation risk, and exhibit strong mate and site fidelity.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
At sea it is generally quiet, giving thin chips when flushed. Around colonies at night it produces soft purring trills and chittering notes used for pair communication and nest localization.
