Widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and with a breeding colony off the Western Cape,
this species can be encountered almost anywhere, but it is listed as vulnerable and rarely seen in large flocks. A variable species,
in terms of rump colouration especially, two new taxa have been described which were previously Leach's, and in all
probability more are to come, especially chapmani which has an all dark rump. Pacific birds also show differences, but in
general identification at sea is problematic if not impossible, however the group as a whole is quite distinctive, the combination of
long forked tail, long wings and (usually) some white on the rump is diagnostic.
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