Short-tailed Shearwater vs Antarctic Prion
Ardenna tenuirostris compared with Pachyptila desolata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Short-tailed Shearwater | Antarctic Prion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ardenna tenuirostris | Pachyptila desolata |
| Order | Procellariiformes | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae | Procellariidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 52.4 cm (20.6 in) | 36.5 cm (14.4 in) |
| Weight | 695.0 g (24.52 oz) | 149.0 g (5.26 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Short-tailed Shearwater
Least Concern
Antarctic Prion
About These Birds
Short-tailed Shearwater
41–43 cm, wingspan 95–100 cm. Sooty-brown; silvery underwing flash. Breeds Bass Strait islands (Australia) in enormous numbers; one of the world's most abundant seabirds. Migrates to North Pacific in vast flocks. Feeds on krill and fish. Harvested sustainably as 'muttonbirds' in Tasmania.
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.