Relatively stocky and short-winged compared to shearwaters and petrels. Adult has pale inner primaries, dark smudge around eye, and short, thick yellow bill. Two color morphs: light adult has white underparts, speckled gray back, and white head; dark adult is gray overall without white plumage. Wings are shorter and more blunt-tipped than those of shearwaters and all-dark petrels. Arcing, stiff-winged flight style consists of alternating rapid shallow wingbeats and glides.

Length: 48 (cm) Wingspan: 107 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean, rarely seen from shore.

Behavior:

Breeds colonially, nesting on cliff ledge or in burrow. Visits nest site at night. Often follows fishing boats.

Feeding:

Picks food from water's surface, also occasionally makes shallow dives underwater. Eats squid, crustaceans, fish, and scraps.