The Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel is the palest storm-petrel in North American waters, pale gray overall with a forked tail and dark underwing. It flutters low over the waves of the North Pacific, pattering on the surface with its feet while picking up small organisms. It nests in burrows on Pacific coast islands from Alaska to California.
Best time to see a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel
The best time to see a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel is May–September, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 192 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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