Head to head
South Georgia Diving-petrel vs Common Diving-petrel
South Georgia Diving-petrel
VS Common Diving-petrel
Both species fly underwater in pursuit of tiny prey, but they differ in size and just how widely each is distributed.
| South Georgia Diving-petrel | Common Diving-petrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pelecanoides georgicus | Pelecanoides urinatrix |
| Size | The smallest diving-petrel species | Not the smallest |
| Distribution | Several widely separated subantarctic island groups | The most widespread diving-petrel species |
| Breeding range | South Georgia, Kerguelen, Crozet, NZ subantarctic islands | Islands across the Southern Hemisphere |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Feeding technique | Flies underwater using whirring wingbeats | Flies underwater using its wings |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean, coastal |
South Georgia Diving-petrel vs Common Diving-petrel: common questions
Which one is the smallest diving-petrel?
The South Georgia diving-petrel is the smallest of all the diving-petrel species, noticeably more compact than the common diving-petrel.
Which one has the wider overall range?
The common diving-petrel has the wider range, recognised as the most widespread diving-petrel species, breeding across scattered islands throughout the Southern Hemisphere.
Do both fly underwater the same way?
Yes, both species swim underwater using rapid, whirring wingbeats to pursue prey, bursting directly from the waves back into flight without pausing on the surface.