Wedge-tailed Shearwater vs Antarctic Petrel
Ardenna pacifica compared with Thalassoica antarctica
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Wedge-tailed Shearwater | Antarctic Petrel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ardenna pacifica | Thalassoica antarctica |
| Order | Procellariiformes | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae | Procellariidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 59.4 cm (23.4 in) | 59.2 cm (23.3 in) |
| Weight | 435.0 g (15.34 oz) | 658.3333333333334 g (23.22 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Least Concern
Antarctic Petrel
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 Petrel
40–46 cm, wingspan 100–110 cm. Striking chocolate-brown and white pattern; only member of its genus. Breeds solely in Antarctica on cliff ledges; among the most southerly-nesting birds. Feeds on fish and krill beneath pack ice. Returns to colonies in October; one of the most abundant Antarctic seabirds.