The Storm Petrel: The seabird that defies storms

The storm petrel is a small seabird that is very abundant in the Atlantic and peculiarly rare, since it stays off the coast, it can only sometimes be seen from land.

Its name “Paíño” is so called because it refers to two subfamilies of birds of which they are descendants of different species from each other and it is relatively larger than a sparrow, and its flight resembles the flapping of a butterfly's wings.

Its plumage resembles the color of chocolate or dark brown, a beautiful and elegant plumage, during its flight a wide stripe becomes visible at the base of its tail.

Characteristics of El Paíño or Storm Petrel

• It can measure between 13 and 26 centimeters.
• Its weight varies depending on the species.
• Their diet is based on mollusks, crustaceans and small fish.
• Regarding their appearance, they usually have an elongated skull, square tail, with wings and short legs.
• Regarding their color, they have a dark back and some white lower parts.
• They have a forked tail with short legs and relatively longer wings.
• They belong to the familyHydrobatinae,For example, the Forked-tailed Storm-Petrel is completely gray, while the Honry's Storm-Petrel has a white color described in markings on its underparts and face.

What do Paiños feed on?

These birds usually hover at water level with the intention of capturing small fish and crustaceans, which are usually below the surface. They are rarely seen doing their diving task, but they do not usually choose this option frequently.

Many times seals and whales make it easier for the storm petrel to fish, since they usually take advantage of the fish that these marine animals drag when they reach the surface.

How do some storm petrels mate?

These birds return year after year to the same reproductive colony, where their nests are located in cracks or holes in the rocks. Most storm petrel species can be active at night, with the advantage that their predators do not easily locate them. The only species that does not have nocturnal habits is the Galápagos Storm-Petrel species.

On the other hand, adult birds are considered monogamous and each season they meet again. They have the peculiarity that they lay a single egg in which both parents share the task of incubating the egg for a period of 50 days. Each one can incubate its egg for 6 days each, and then continue a breeding period for around 70 days.

However, wild rats and cats can marry the eggs and chicks of these birds.

How many years does the storm petrel live?

These amazing birds can live up to 30 years.

Other curious facts about El Paíño

This bird is considered to have an enormous sense of belonging to the place where it is born, going to the same nesting place every year. On the other hand, they are the smallest sea birds in the world.

As if it were Jesus' own disciple, Peter, the pewter alludes to him walking on the waters and everything is due to his weak legs since they only support their own weight on land and walk a few steps.

They are called Storm Petrels, because sailors call them “Mother Cara's Pigeons”, in Latin this name refers to the Virgin Mary. In fact, many refer to these birds as divine messengers, as they warned when storms were approaching.

90% of these seabirds have plastic inside

However, it is the same human beings who have been destroying many marine species. Where, according to a study by Birdlife International, a conservation organization, 90% of these seabirds have plastic inside.

To top it all off, the petrel is usually very common in the Mediterranean Sea and spends most of its long life flying over the sea. Caring for seabirds, such as storm petrels, is crucial to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. These birds play a critical role in the food chain and ocean health by controlling fish populations and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Awareness about the conservation of these species must be a priority as they face multiple threats, such as marine pollution, bycatch, habitat loss and climate change. It is essential to take action to protect their breeding and feeding areas, reduce plastic litter in the oceans and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Every single action counts: from reducing the use of single-use plastics to supporting conservation and education initiatives. By raising awareness and taking responsible action, we can significantly contribute to the preservation of these seabirds and ultimately the health of our ocean ecosystems for future generations.

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