Quick facts

Length18–21 cm
Weight38–60 g
Wingspan43–48 cm
Eggs1 eggs
Incubation38–50 days
Fledging60–70 days
MigrationMigratory
Breeding seasonSummer
Common in IcelandNo
Breeds in IcelandYes
Best timeSummer, particularly near breeding colonies

About Leach's Storm Petrel

Leach's storm petrel is a small oceanic seabird that breeds in Iceland in small numbers. It spends most of its life at sea and mainly comes ashore to breed.

It feeds on small marine organisms taken from or just below the sea surface. It nests in burrows and crevices and is mainly nocturnal around its breeding colonies.

Habitat

Open ocean and remote islands

Diet

Plankton, small crustaceans and other tiny marine prey taken near the surface.

Nesting habitat

Burrows and crevices on remote islands.
SourceLast verified: 08/09/2026