White-chinned Petrel
White-chinned Petrel
100
15 hours ago
The White-chinned Petrel is a large, dark petrel of the Southern Ocean, easily identified by its distinctive white patch on the chin. It is a powerful and widespread seabird.
Where to spot
Circumpolar in the Southern Ocean, breeding on numerous sub-Antarctic islands including South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, and the Falklands. Widespread in cool temperate and sub-Antarctic waters.
How to spot
Easily identified by its large size, entirely dark sooty-brown plumage, and the diagnostic white chin patch. Its flight is strong and purposeful, with deep wingbeats. Often seen scavenging behind ships. Best observed during pelagic trips in the Southern Ocean.
When to spot
Breeding occurs during the austral summer (September-May). Can be observed at sea year-round throughout its vast oceanic distribution, often in large numbers.
Where to spot
Circumpolar in the Southern Ocean, breeding on numerous sub-Antarctic islands including South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, and the Falklands. Widespread in cool temperate and sub-Antarctic waters.
How to spot
Easily identified by its large size, entirely dark sooty-brown plumage, and the diagnostic white chin patch. Its flight is strong and purposeful, with deep wingbeats. Often seen scavenging behind ships. Best observed during pelagic trips in the Southern Ocean.
When to spot
Breeding occurs during the austral summer (September-May). Can be observed at sea year-round throughout its vast oceanic distribution, often in large numbers.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
These petrels are significant scavengers, often forming large aggregations behind fishing trawlers, where they can feed on discarded offal.
Also interesting
Share this page
Or share directly on
