Least storm petrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Least storm petrel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oceanodroma
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| Species: |
microsoma
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The least storm petrel (Oceanodroma microsoma) is a very small seabird. It belongs to the storm petrel family, which are birds known for flying close to the water.
This little bird is about 13 to 15 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) long. Its wings can spread up to 32 centimeters (12.5 inches) wide. It is the smallest bird in a group called Procellariiformes, which includes petrels, albatrosses, and shearwaters.
Where They Live and Reproduction
Least storm petrels make their nests on islands near the Baja Peninsula and in the Gulf of California in Mexico. They like to lay their single white egg in small holes in soft ground or in cracks in rocks.
These birds nest together in large groups, which is called being a "colonial nester." When they are on land, they can only shuffle a short distance to their burrow. This is because their feet are better for swimming and flying than for walking.
Life at Sea
When they are not nesting, least storm petrels spend most of their time out at sea. They can travel far, sometimes reaching the warm waters of the tropical Pacific near South America.
You can often spot them off the coast of southern California in the late summer and autumn. They are truly ocean birds!
What They Eat
Least storm petrels mostly eat tiny sea creatures called plankton. They especially like the young forms (larvae) of spiny lobsters.
They find their food by flying close to the water's surface. They pick up small bits of food right off the top of the waves while they are still flying.
Dangers They Face
Sadly, least storm petrels face some dangers on their nesting islands. Wild cats and rats can sometimes harm the birds or their eggs. These animals are not native to the islands and can be a big problem for the petrels.
