Again circumpolar, this species breeds on Antarctica up to 450km
inland, and also on islands such as South Georgia, South Sandwich and Balleny. Two taxa are described, impossible
to distinguish at sea. Lesser, the nominate, is the more widespread, but Greater (major) shows reproductive
isolation at least on Balleny Island, where the two are sympatric. Interbreeding definitely occurs, so pending
further evidence the two are retained as subspecies, but have been split by some authorities.
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HOMEPAGE
