Fulmars, Petrels, Shearwaters and Diving Petrels

These birds belong to two families: the Procellariidae (Fulmars, Petrels and Shearwaters) and the Pelecanoididae (Diving Petrels). The Giant Petrel (11) is the largest species of the group (91 cm. in length) and somewhat resembles an albatross; accordingly, it is placed with the albatrosses for convenience in identification.

The remaining 36 ‘species’ of the Procellariidae described in this guide are subdivided below into 3 broad groups, with the characteristics of each being discussed separately. The Diving Petrels form a separate, fourth category on their own.