Bermuda Petrel

The Bermuda Petrel, known locally in Bermuda as the "Cahow," was listed as endangered on June 2, 1970. This species, once thought extinct for nearly 300 years, was rediscovered in the 1950s. With a population of about 450 individuals, it remains one of the rarest seabirds in the world, though its numbers are slowly increasing thanks to breeding efforts in Bermuda. It is the national bird of Bermuda.

An interesting adaptation of petrels, including the Bermuda petrel is their ability to drink seawater. Special glands in their tube-like nostrils filter out the salt, which is then expelled as drops of salty brine.

Learn more about the Bermuda petrel's recovery story. >>

Black-Capped Petrel

The Black-capped Petrel, also known as "Diablotin" (meaning "little devil") due to its eerie nighttime cries, was listed as endangered on January 29, 2024. This newly listed species has an estimated 1,000 breeding pairs left. These seabirds nest only on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. They occur in two distinct color morphs, light and dark, which occupy different areas of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean according to initial tracking research.

White-Faced Storm Petrel

The White-faced Storm Petrel, categorized as least concern, is known for its unique flight pattern. It glides on its wings, rocks back and forth, and touches its feet to the water, appearing to hop on the surface like a pogo stick. Individuals that forage in the Monument most likely nest off the coast of Africa and often travel over 2,000 miles for foraging trips.

Storm petrels are the tiniest seabirds in the world, ranging from 5.5 – 10 inches. These birds may be small, but they have oversized reputations; legends and folklore have spun captivating tales around these tiny seabirds. Read more. >>