Salvin's Prion
NameSalvin's Prion
Common NameSalvin's Prion
Scientific NamePachyptila salvini
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)62
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)165
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are blue-grey with a darker 'M' pattern across the wings, extending from wingtip to wingtip. Underparts are white, with a faint grey wash on the flanks. It has a dark cap, a pale supercilium, and a stout, dark bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically soft cooing or purring notes, often described as a 'whirring' or 'churring' sound, primarily heard at breeding colonies during the night.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on sub-Antarctic islands in the Indian Ocean, primarily the Crozet Islands and Prince Edward Islands. Disperses widely across the Southern Ocean during the non-breeding season, ranging from South Africa to Australia and New Zealand.
Identifying FeaturesBroad, flattened bill with lamellae for filter-feeding, Blue-grey upperparts with distinct dark 'M' pattern across wings, White underparts, Dark cap and pale supercilium, Graceful, skimming flight over ocean waves
Description
Salvin's Prion is a small, pelagic seabird known for its graceful flight over the open ocean. It feeds by filtering zooplankton from the water surface, often in large flocks.
