Antarctic Petrel
NameAntarctic Petrel
Common NameAntarctic Petrel
Scientific NameThalassoica antarctica
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)105
Length (cm)42.5
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is distinctly bicolored, with a dark brown head, back, and central upperwings contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. A prominent broad white patch is visible on the trailing edge of the inner wing, and the outer tail feathers are white with a dark tip.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent when at sea, but at breeding colonies, Antarctic Petrels emit a variety of harsh cackles, growls, and croaking sounds, especially during courtship and territorial displays.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species has a circumpolar distribution in the Southern Ocean, breeding primarily on the Antarctic continent and several sub-Antarctic islands, including the South Sandwich Islands and Bouvet Island.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive brown and white plumage pattern, Broad white patch on the trailing edge of the inner wing, White outer tail feathers with a dark tip, Dark bill and eyes, Graceful, soaring flight over open water
Description
The Antarctic Petrel is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its striking brown and white plumage, often seen soaring gracefully over the open ocean. It is a highly pelagic species, spending most of its life at sea in the Southern Ocean, only coming to land to breed on ice-free coastal cliffs of Antarctica.
