Pachyptila desolata (Gmelin, 1789)

Nomenclature

This species is scientifically named Pachyptila desolata (Gmelin, 1789), commonly known as the Antarctic prion.

Size Measurements

The Antarctic prion has an overall length of 27 cm (11 in), a wingspan of 61–66 cm (24–26 in), and weighs 150–160 g (5.3–5.6 oz).

Plumage Pattern

Like all prions, it has white underparts and blue-grey upperparts, with a dark "M" marking extending from its back to its wingtips.

Head and Appendage Coloration

It features a white eyebrow, blue-grey bill, and blue feet.

Tail Morphology

Its tail is grey, wedge-shaped, and has a black tip.

Wing Covert Coloration

The greater coverts on its wings are nearly black.

Similar Species

It looks so similar to Salvin's prion that the two species cannot be told apart when observed at sea.

Breeding Distribution

For distribution and habitat, it breeds in colonies on the Auckland Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island, Scott Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the South Orkney Islands, the South Shetland Islands, the Crozet Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands.

Non-breeding Range

When it is not breeding, it ranges across the entire southern oceans.

Feeding Habits

In terms of feeding behavior, like all prions, the Antarctic prion feeds primarily on zooplankton, which it collects by filtering water through its upper bill.