Black-capped Petrel
An endangered seabird of the Gulf Stream, seen far offshore from pelagic birding trips.
All year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct (this month)
- Nov
- Dec
Why it’s sensitive
The Black-capped Petrel is an Endangered seabird (IUCN Red List) that nests only in burrows on the mountains of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. Its nesting colonies are threatened by forest loss, predators and lights, and every bird counts.
Offshore sightings don’t put birds at much risk on their own — but iNaturalist protects every record of the species worldwide, and following the same habit everywhere is the simplest way to be sure nesting sites are never revealed.
Where and when
Black-capped Petrels feed over deep, warm water along the Gulf Stream and in the Gulf of Mexico. From Northeast Florida they are found only on pelagic boat trips far offshore — you won’t see one from the beach. iNaturalist protects their locations all year.
How eBird handles it
The Black-capped Petrel is not on eBird’s Sensitive Species list, so eBird sightings, including offshore ones, are public.
How iNaturalist handles it
iNaturalist obscures every observation worldwide, all year, because the species is globally Endangered.
What we ask of members
- Report it to eBird and iNaturalist — offshore records are valuable to scientists studying where these petrels feed.
- Share photos with the club! Exact offshore coordinates aren’t needed in a trip report; “off Northeast Florida in the Gulf Stream” is perfect.
Learn more
At a glance
- SensitiveAll year
- Report it?Yes — eBird and iNaturalist protect it automatically
- Share the spot?No — name the park or county only