Snow Petrel
Image: Ingvild Riska (cc-by)
NameSnow Petrel
Common NameSnow Petrel
Scientific NamePagodroma nivea
FamilyProcellariidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)35
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsEntirely pure white plumage, including body, wings, and tail. It has a small black bill, black eyes, and black legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea. At breeding colonies, they emit harsh, guttural croaks, cackles, and squawking calls, particularly when disturbed or interacting with other birds.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmarine, polar, coastal, ice-pack
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCircumpolar distribution in the Antarctic Ocean, breeding on rocky cliffs and nunataks within the Antarctic continent and surrounding islands.
Identifying Featurespure white plumage, black bill, black eyes, graceful flight over water, associated with pack ice and icebergs
Description
The Snow Petrel is a striking, pure white seabird of the Antarctic, known for its graceful flight over icy waters. It is often observed near pack ice and icebergs, where it forages for food.
