Oriental Bird Images
 

 
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Swinhoe's Storm-petrel Hydrobates monorhis  
Swinhoe's Storm-petrel
Photographer : © Dipu Karuthedathu
Location :offshore waters approx 20-30 km from coast, Goa, India
Date : 27 September 2015
English synonyms:Swinhoe's Petrel, Ashy Storm-petrel, Uniform Fork-tailed Petrel
Bird Family :Hydrobatidae - Storm-petrels
Bird Group :CICONIIFORMES
Red Data Status :Near Threatened
Remarks :Swinhoe's Storm Petrel on the left; Wilson's Storm-petrel on the right. Note that this image is a composite of two sections taken from the same frame in which the two birds were further apart. - Ed.

Initially, a group of Wilson's Storm Petrels were seen resting in water. As we approached, the group took off and moved to another place. As birds took off, a lone Swinhoe's Storm Petrel was observed at the edge of this group. Here it offers a nice comparison with the commoner Wilson's. Note the change in Wilson's wing shape due to primary moult which is midway, while Swinhoe's is yet to start the primary moult. - DK

The trip was organized by Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) with the help of various authorities, with special support from Captain of Ports, Goa.