Wedge-tailed Shearwater vs Antarctic Prion
Ardenna pacifica compared with Pachyptila desolata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Wedge-tailed Shearwater | Antarctic Prion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ardenna pacifica | Pachyptila desolata |
| Order | Procellariiformes | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae | Procellariidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 59.4 cm (23.4 in) | 36.5 cm (14.4 in) |
| Weight | 435.0 g (15.34 oz) | 149.0 g (5.26 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Least Concern
Antarctic Prion
About These Birds
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
38–46 cm, wingspan 97–105 cm. Long wedge-shaped tail diagnostic; dark brown above; polymorphic below (dark or white-breasted). Breeds tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Ranges widely at sea. Feeds on fish and squid; often associates with tuna. Common and widespread.
Antarctic Prion
25–28 cm, wingspan 58–66 cm. Classic prion pattern: pale blue-grey, white below, bold dark M across upperwing. Medium-broad bill. Most abundant and widespread prion; breeds South Georgia, Heard, Kerguelen, Macquarie. Feeds on crustaceans; makes deep dives compared to congeners.