Roughly the size and proportion of a large swallow, the dainty Wilson's Storm-Petrel lives most of its life on the open ocean. Unlike other seagoing birds that plunge and dive, the storm-petrel flutters over the water and dances on the surface with its feet, picking plankton from among the waves.
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
Oceanites oceanicus
Photo:
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
Status and Trends
Distribution
Methods
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Summary
Trend
Data Deficient
Confidence: Data Deficient
Goal
Data Deficient
The Wilson's Storm-Petrel is an abundant breeder on Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands, with a population of over 10 million. It undertakes a trans-equatorial migration to overwinter in the mid-latitudes of the North Atlantic and North Indian oceans, and is a common summer visitor off southern Nova Scotia. The number occurring within Canadian waters annually has not been estimated, but is likely at most 100,000 individuals, which represents less than 1% of the global total and very low responsibility for the species. Data are currently insufficient to estimate trends or set a goal for the Canadian population.
Migration Strategy
Seasonal visitor
Canadian Responsibility
Population Estimates
Breeding
0
Annual
100,000
Global
14,000,000
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Marine Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Wilson's Storm-Petrel. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/gahe-m624
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Roughly the size and proportion of a large swallow, the dainty Wilson's Storm-Petrel lives most of its life on the open ocean. Unlike other seagoing birds that plunge and dive, the storm-petrel flutters over the water and dances on the surface with its feet, picking plankton from among the waves.
Distribution and Occurrence
2110
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Get Involved
Citizen Science is vital to monitoring birds in Canada. Participating in programs like the ones below helps monitor this species.
Beached Bird Survey
eBird
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Follow the link below to learn about more programs that you can participate in to help monitor birds in Canada.
Learn more
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Marine Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Wilson's Storm-Petrel. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/gahe-m624