Wilson's storm petrel, also known as Wilson's petrel, is a small seabird of the austral storm petrel family Oceanitidae. It is one of the most abundant bird species in the world and has a circumpolar distribution mainly in the seas of the southern hemisphere but extending northwards during the summer of the northern hemisphere. The world population was estimated in 2022 as stable at 8 to 20 million birds. In 2010 it had been estimated at 12–30 million. A 1998 book had estimated more than 50 million pairs. The name commemorates the Scottish-American ornithologist Alexander Wilson. The genus name Oceanites refers to the mythical Oceanids, the three thousand daughters of Tethys. The species name is from Latin oceanus, "ocean".
Region
Circumpolar Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds on the Antarctic Peninsula and numerous subantarctic islands, nesting in rock crevices, boulder fields, and burrows. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely across all major oceans, often reaching temperate and even tropical waters of both hemispheres. At sea it is highly pelagic, favoring productive fronts, shelf edges, and sea-ice margins. It commonly occurs far from land but may concentrate near upwellings and areas of converging currents.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Wilson's storm petrel is among the most abundant seabirds on Earth, breeding on Antarctic and subantarctic islands and dispersing across the globe outside the breeding season. It characteristically feeds by 'pattering'—fluttering just above the surface while tapping its feet on the water. The species is strongly attracted to scent cues like dimethyl sulfide and may follow ships or whales to locate concentrated prey. It was named for the ornithologist Alexander Wilson.
Wilson's Storm Petrel showing the distinctive markings across the upper wing
Wilson's Storm Petrel pattering across water during feeding
Wilson's Storm Petrel with distinctive yellow webbing between feet
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with buoyant glides, often pattering on the water surface
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, returning to nest sites mostly at night to avoid predators. Pairs are typically monogamous, laying a single egg with both sexes sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Nests are in crevices, burrows, or under rocks, often reused in successive seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At sea it is generally quiet. At colonies it gives chattering, purring, and trilling calls, often delivered at night from within nest crevices.
