Fairy Prion
Fairy Prion
100
2 weeks ago
Points:
100
The Fairy Prion is the smallest of the prions, a group of small Southern Ocean petrels with specialized bills for filter-feeding. It has distinctive blue-grey plumage.
Where to spot
Circumpolar in the Southern Ocean, breeding on numerous sub-Antarctic and temperate islands, including those off New Zealand and Australia. Disperses widely in temperate waters.
How to spot
Look for its small size, blue-grey upperparts, white underparts, and the distinctive black 'W' or 'M' pattern across its upperwing. Often flies with rapid, banking movements. Best observed during pelagic trips in the Southern Ocean, often in large flocks.
When to spot
Breeding occurs during the austral summer (September-April). Can be observed at sea year-round within its extensive oceanic distribution.
Where to spot
Circumpolar in the Southern Ocean, breeding on numerous sub-Antarctic and temperate islands, including those off New Zealand and Australia. Disperses widely in temperate waters.
How to spot
Look for its small size, blue-grey upperparts, white underparts, and the distinctive black 'W' or 'M' pattern across its upperwing. Often flies with rapid, banking movements. Best observed during pelagic trips in the Southern Ocean, often in large flocks.
When to spot
Breeding occurs during the austral summer (September-April). Can be observed at sea year-round within its extensive oceanic distribution.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Like other prions, the Fairy Prion uses lamellae (fine comb-like plates) on the edges of its bill to filter small crustaceans and plankton from the surface waters.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 49 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 2 weeks ago
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