While our mountain retreat offers breathtaking views and an abundance of rainforest birds, Costa Rica’s avian diversity extends far beyond the jungle canopy. Today, we set our sights on a creature of the open seas, the aptly named White-faced Storm-Petrel.

This little wonder won’t be gracing the feeders outside your cabina, but for those venturing offshore on diving or fishing trips, particularly in the Pacific Ocean near the continental shelf, a sighting of the White-faced Storm-Petrel is a truly magical experience.

A Master of the High Seas

Imagine a bird built for the wind. The White-faced Storm-Petrel is a compact seabird, measuring just 19-21 centimeters (7.5-8.3 inches) in length with a wingspan reaching 44 centimeters (17 inches). Its plumage reflects its life on the ocean – a pale brown to grey back and wings with black flight feathers provide excellent camouflage against the churning waves. Look closer, and you’ll see the distinctive white underbelly, a feature that sets it apart from its North Atlantic cousins.

But the most striking characteristic is the namesake – a bright white face contrasted by a dramatic black eye mask. This unique marking gives the White-faced Storm-Petrel an almost pharope-like appearance.

A Nocturnal Dance

Unlike the vibrant symphony of the rainforest, the White-faced Storm-Petrel is a creature of twilight and darkness. It primarily forages at night, using its exceptional agility and wing control to dance across the wave tops, snatching up plankton and small fish kicked to the surface by the churning currents. Their flight is mesmerizing – a series of graceful dips and bounds, with minimal wing movement, making them appear to almost walk on water.

By day, these birds take refuge on remote islands, seeking shelter in burrows or crevices. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predators on land, so breeding colonies are established only on islands free of introduced mammals like cats and rats.

A Life on the Edge

The White-faced Storm-Petrel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, their reliance on healthy oceans and predator-free nesting sites means they are not without threats. Habitat loss, pollution, and bycatch in fishing gear are all potential dangers.

A Glimpse of a Different World

While you won’t find the White-faced Storm-Petrel flitting through the trees at our retreat, a chance encounter offshore is an unforgettable experience. It’s a window into a world unseen, a reminder of the vast ecosystems that thrive beyond the shores. So, if you find yourself on a boat trip during your Costa Rican adventure, keep your eyes peeled for this master of the wind, dancing on the waves.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica