European Storm Petrel

The European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) is a small, elusive seabird with sooty black plumage, a white rump, and a fluttering, bat-like flight pattern. Although not often seen on our tours in Faxaflói Bay, this species occasionally graces the area, particularly in summer months when the ocean is bustling with bird activity. European Storm Petrels are pelagic birds, spending most of their lives far out at sea and feeding on tiny fish and plankton near the water's surface. Their rarity in the bay makes sightings especially memorable, offering a glimpse into the secretive lives of these remarkable ocean wanderers.