The Black-capped Petrel is a large, fast-flying petrel of the Gulf Stream off the southeastern US coast. It has a distinctive black cap, white collar, and white rump. It breeds on remote Caribbean island cliffs and was thought to be nearly extinct until rediscovered in the 1960s on Hispaniola. It is the most frequently seen Pterodroma petrel from US shores.
Habitat
Gulf Stream and warm offshore waters of the southeastern US coast
Diet
Fish and squid caught in dynamic soaring over the open ocean
How common
Uncommon
Recent Black-capped Petrel sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black-capped Petrel? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free