Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Chapman’s)

Chapman’s is one of two subspecies of Leach’s Storm-Petrel seen in the Pacific Ocean off southern California. Unlike the Atlantic Leach’s Storm-Petrel which has a white rump with a dark division, Chapman’s rump can vary from completely dark to almost white, with most individuals showing a “mushy” brown. The other Pacific subspecies, Townsend’s, has a white rump with additional white on the undertail coverts.