Head to head
Cape Petrel vs Snow Petrel
Cape Petrel
VS Snow Petrel
Both petrels are common sights across the Southern Ocean, but they could hardly look more different from one another.
| Cape Petrel | Snow Petrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Daption capense | Pagodroma nivea |
| Plumage | Bold, checkered black-and-white | Entirely white |
| Notable behaviour | Frequently follows ships | Breeds deep within the Antarctic interior |
| Breeding location | Steep coastal cliffs | Bare rock outcrops far inland |
| Defence | Sprays foul-smelling stomach oil | Sprays foul-smelling stomach oil |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Ocean, polar | Ocean, polar |
Cape Petrel vs Snow Petrel: common questions
Which one has bold checkered plumage versus solid white?
The Cape petrel has the bold, checkered black-and-white pattern, while the snow petrel instead has entirely white plumage suited to blending into its icy inland breeding habitat.
Which one breeds deepest into the Antarctic interior?
The snow petrel breeds deepest inland, nesting on bare rock outcrops hundreds of kilometres from the coast, a habit not shared by the coastal-cliff-nesting Cape petrel.
Which one is known for following ships?
The Cape petrel is the ship-follower, frequently trailing vessels across the Southern Ocean to scavenge food scraps, a behaviour not documented in the more solitary snow petrel.