While our mountain retreat offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforests, a different kind of avian wonder patrols the distant Pacific shores – the Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel. Unlike the vibrantly colored residents of our lush haven, this seabird thrives in the vast expanse of the ocean, rarely gracing land with its presence. But for those willing to venture out on a coastal adventure, a glimpse of this master of the wind is an unforgettable experience.
A Tiny Tempestuous Traveler
The Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel is a compact seabird, barely reaching 7 inches in length. Its plumage is a study in understated elegance – a uniform dark brown with a stark white wedge marking the rump, earning it its name. With short, rounded wings and a forked tail, it’s perfectly adapted for life on the open ocean. Unlike most birds, its legs are positioned far back on its body, making walking on land awkward. But take to the air it does, with incredible agility, skimming the waves and riding the thermals with effortless grace.
A Creature of the Currents
While sightings off the Costa Rican coast are possible, particularly near the Gulf of Nicoya and the Osa Peninsula, the Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel is primarily a bird of the Galápagos Islands and the Peruvian coast. They spend most of their lives at sea, venturing out to breeding colonies on remote islands only during specific times of the year. Here, they burrow into crevices or build nests in rocky slopes, laying just a single egg.
A Master of Marine Munchies
The Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel is an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of the bounty the ocean offers. It follows fishing boats, snatches scraps from the surface, and dives to catch small fish and crustaceans. It’s particularly adept at a technique called “patterskiing” – running along the water’s surface with its feet partially submerged, creating ripples that attract small prey to the surface.
A Voice from the Deep
At sea, the Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel is a vocal bird, emitting a series of high-pitched squeaks and whistles. However, on land, it remains silent, relying on silent communication within its colonies.
A Glimpse into a Different World
While spotting a Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel from our mountain retreat is unlikely, a trip to the coast offers a chance to witness this incredible seabird in its natural habitat. A boat tour or a day trip to the beaches can open a window into a world far removed from the tranquility of the rainforest, a world where the wind whispers secrets and the ocean holds endless mysteries. The Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel, a tiny dancer on the cosmic stage, is a reminder of the vast diversity of life that thrives beyond our immediate surroundings.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
