The least storm petrel is a small seabird of the storm petrel family Hydrobatidae. It is 13–15 cm in length, with a wingspan of 32 cm. It is the smallest member of the order Procellariiformes. It was formerly defined in the genus Oceanodroma before that genus was synonymized with Hydrobates.
Region
Eastern Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds on small arid islands off the Pacific coast of Baja California and within the Gulf of California, then disperses widely over warm offshore waters. At sea it favors pelagic zones and shelf edges, rarely approaching shore except near colonies. Post-breeding, individuals range south along the tropical eastern Pacific, reaching Central America and beyond. Occurrence north to southern California is seasonal and weather-dependent.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The least storm petrel is the smallest member of the order Procellariiformes, fluttering low over waves with rapid, bat-like wingbeats. It was formerly placed in the genus Oceanodroma before being synonymized with Hydrobates. Nocturnal at breeding colonies, it nests in rock crevices and burrows and is sensitive to light pollution and introduced predators.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low skimming over waves, occasional pattering on the water
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, nesting in dense aggregations on predator-free islets. Mostly nocturnal at colonies, arriving and departing in darkness to avoid predation. Pairs are typically monogamous and reuse nest sites, laying a single egg per season.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At sea it is generally quiet, but at colonies it gives soft trills and chattering calls at night, often from within burrows. Vocalizations are subdued and carry poorly in wind, aiding in mate and burrow recognition.
Plumage
Uniformly sooty-brown to blackish with slightly paler upperwing coverts; no white rump. Tail short and mostly square-tipped.
Diet
Feeds primarily on planktonic crustaceans such as copepods and small euphausiids, along with fish larvae and other tiny surface-dwelling marine organisms. It picks prey from the surface while pattering its feet on the water and making quick snatches. Foraging often occurs along convergence lines and slicks where prey concentrates.
Preferred Environment
Favors offshore pelagic waters and shelf edges with productive upwelling. Rarely enters nearshore zones except adjacent to breeding islands and oceanic slicks.
