About Pachyptila turtur (Kuhl, 1820)
Taxonomy and Size
The fairy prion (Pachyptila turtur, first described by Kuhl in 1820) is around 25 cm (9.8 in) long, with a wingspan of 56 cm (22 in). Its upperparts have blue-grey plumage, with a dark "M" shaped marking that extends out to the wingtips.
Body Plumage and Tail
It has a wedge-shaped tail with a dark tip, and its underparts are mostly white. It has a pale blue bill, and blue legs and feet.
Sexual Dimorphism
Male and female fairy prions are identical in appearance.
Similar Species
It looks very similar to the fulmar prion (Pachyptila crassirostris), and the two species cannot be told apart when seen at sea.
General Distribution
Fairy prions live throughout oceans and coastal areas of the Southern Hemisphere.
Breeding Colonies
Their breeding colonies are located in places including the Falkland Islands, Australia's Bass Strait Islands, the Crozet Islands, and New Zealand's Chatham Islands, Antipodes Islands, and Snares Islands.
Diet Composition
The diet of the fairy prion consists mainly of planktonic crustaceans and small fish.
Feeding Behavior
They catch their prey either by seizing it from the water surface, or by dipping their bill into the water while they are flying.
