Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)

Fairly common in Gulf Stream waters off the NC coast from spring to fall, North Carolina is the best place in the U.S to see this species. I highly recommend Seabirding.com tours with Brian Patteson for seeing this and other east coast pelagic species.
Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006

Note the black, stubby bill, dark hood, white belly, and distinct underwing pattern.

Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006
Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006

From above, note the dark cap, plain back & wings, and large white rump patch. The amount of white in the nape is variable.

Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006
Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006
Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006
Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006
Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata)
Off Cape Hatteras, NC
25 May 2006

Molting birds can have an odd look to them.


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Created on ... June 27, 2006 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com