Snowy Sheathbill
Chionis albus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chionis-albus"></birdfyi-bird>The Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus) is a bird species in the family Chionidae, within the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds & gulls). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 49.2 cm and a weight of 682.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus) is a stocky 34–41 cm all-white bird of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; sole member of its family in the Southern Ocean region. White plumage; bare facial skin with fleshy caruncles; yellowish bill with horny sheath. Inhabits penguin and seal colonies, stealing food and scavenging carrion.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 49.2 cm | 19.4 in |
| Weight | 682.5 g | 24.07 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP,CV. Incubation: 26-32 days. Fledging: 50-60 days.
Clutch Size
1-4
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Chionidae |
| Genus | Chionis |
| Species | Chionis albus |
Distribution
Snowy Sheathbill has been recorded in 5 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Snowy Sheathbill endangered?
How does the Snowy Sheathbill nest?
How big is the Snowy Sheathbill?
What order and family does the Snowy Sheathbill belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Chionidae family