Black-capped Petrel Similar Species Comparison

The Bermuda Petrel has only a narrow white “U” on the rump (as opposed to Black-capped Petrel’s extensive white rump patch). Bermuda Petrel usually lacks Black-capped Petrel’s white hindneck, instead having a dark cap that is continuous with dark upperparts. Bermuda Petrel is smaller and slimmer than Black-capped Petrel, with a smaller bill, longer wings, and a longer tail.

Fea’s Petrel has a gray cap, back, rump, and tail, lacking Black-capped Petrel’s striking black-and-white contrast on the upperparts.

The larger Great Shearwater has longer, straighter wings and a longer, thinner bill than Black-capped Petrel. Great Shearwater shows only limited white at the base of the tail, compared to Black-capped Petrel’s large white rump patch. Great Shearwater’s dark cap extends all the way to the base of the bill, whereas Black-capped Petrel has a white forehead. Great Shearwater is more likely to be seen from land than Black-capped Petrel.

The Bermuda Petrel has only a narrow white “U” on the rump (as opposed to Black-capped Petrel’s extensive white rump patch). Bermuda Petrel usually lacks Black-capped Petrel’s white hindneck, instead having a dark cap that is continuous with dark upperparts. Bermuda Petrel is smaller and slimmer than Black-capped Petrel, with a smaller bill, longer wings, and a longer tail.

Fea’s Petrel has a gray cap, back, rump, and tail, lacking Black-capped Petrel’s striking black-and-white contrast on the upperparts.