svartmagad stormsvala Fregetta tropica

Striking small seabird of cold subantarctic waters; some birds range farther north in winter (mainly May–August). Despite the name, its bold white belly is the most obvious feature that separates Black-bellied from slightly smaller Wilson’s Storm-Petrel. Most birds have a black stripe bisecting the white belly patch, but the stripe is often hard to see. Flight style often eye-catching; splashes belly down in the water and kicks its feet to change direction. Compare with the very similar White-bellied Storm-Petrel of subtropical waters, which occurs mainly to the north of Black-bellied’s range.