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Antarctic Petrel | Thalassoica antarctica
The Antarctic Petrel 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 Petrel (Latin name Thalassoica antarctica) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Thalassoica antarctica can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 20 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 657. You will find a picture of the Antarctic Petrel on page 657. 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. There have been no changes in the common name between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition. There have been no changes in the Latin name for the Antarctic Petrel between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition The Antarctic Petrel has a height of 45 cms and weighs around 670 gms. The head is coloured brown while the bill is coloured brown. The Thalassoica antarctica has a white coloured throat, grey legs and a brown 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 brown Eyes are brown Bill is brown Legs are grey Throat is white Back is brown 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 ...You can see the Antarctic Petrel bird on coastal regions and on the sea shore where the bird will be foraging with other birds The Antarctic Petrel 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 |
