The two Giant Petrels, which were only split in 1966, are circumpolar in distribution, although
Southern breeds further south, on Antarctic Islands. The size of a small albatross, they are highly aggresive predators and scavengers. As well as
looking inelegant (to say the least), they are often seen with bloody heads from entering seal carcasses. This taxon occurs in a white form, which Northern
does not, other birds can be difficult to assign to species unless the bill is seen well. Pure white birds are rare, most have dark markings, and this is the
only one I've photographed although I've probably seen hundreds of Giant Petrels. Vagrants have reached Europe, but which species is not always determined.
Click on the photo to return to "petrels" or here for
HOMEPAGE
