Birds of Ireland: Storm petrel

A storm petrel flutters puppet-like with legs pattering and running on the surface when hunting. They have an erratic flight

Storm Petrel

Storm petrels are about 16 centimetres long with a wingspan of 38-40centimetres. They are a common breeding species found at sea here.

A storm petrel is the smallest European seabird — it is about the size of a swallow. They are rarely seen close to shore or resting on water. Both sexes appear similar.