Petrels are seldom-seen, unfamiliar birds to many of us. However, both Storm Petrel and Leach's Petrel are actually relatively common breeding birds and are frequently encountered off our shores during passage migration.

Both are small black and white birds that seem to defy the rough seas they are seen dancing over. Their small size, similar plumage and ocean habitat can make identification tricky. Watch our identification video to learn how to tell Storm Petrel and Leach's Petrel apart.