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Antarctic Prion | Pachyptila desolata
The Antarctic Prion is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Procellariidae bird family group which includes birds such as Petrels, Shearwaters. The description for the Antarctic Prion (Latin name Pachyptila desolata) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Pachyptila desolata can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of and the detailed description of this bird is on page 664. You will find a picture of the Antarctic Prion on page 640. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. This bird is known as Dove Prion in the Roberts 6th Edition. There have been no changes in the Latin name for the Antarctic Prion between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition The Antarctic Prion has a height of 27 cms and weighs around 146 gms. The head is coloured blue, grey while the bill is coloured blue, grey. The Pachyptila desolata has a grey coloured throat, blue legs and a blue, grey coloured back. The eyes are brown. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is blue, grey Eyes are brown Bill is blue, grey Legs are blue Throat is grey Back is blue, grey Feeding Habits ...This birds forages for fish and other aquatic dwellers through surface sizing and diving for food in the water. This bird has a specially adapted bill which helps it hunt for fish, crabs, shrimp and other aquatic animals in the water. Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The Antarctic Prion is a very rare bird that can only be seen out at sea following fish vessels. It can be seen in the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...This bird is usually seen in small family groups or in large flocks |
