Magellanic Diving Petrel
NameMagellanic Diving Petrel
Common NameMagellanic Diving Petrel
Scientific NamePelecanoides magellani
FamilyPelecanoididae
Wingspan (cm)34
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)135
Plumage DetailsDark sooty-black on the upperparts, head, and neck, contrasting sharply with clean white underparts. It features prominent white patches on the sides of the neck and flanks, and a short, stout black bill.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but produces soft purring, growling, or cooing calls within its breeding burrows or colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the cold temperate waters of southern South America, primarily off the coasts of Chile and Argentina, extending to the Falkland Islands.
Identifying FeaturesSmall, stocky body, Short wings, Dark upperparts, white underparts, White patches on neck sides and flanks, Rapid, whirring flight close to water, Diving behavior
Description
A small, stocky seabird with a compact body and short wings, highly adapted for underwater pursuit. It typically swims low in the water and exhibits a distinctive whirring flight close to the surface, often diving directly from flight.
