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.
Spot a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.