Snowy Sheathbill vs Black-faced Sheathbill
Chionis albus compared with Chionis minor
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Snowy Sheathbill | Black-faced Sheathbill |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chionis albus | Chionis minor |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Chionidae | Chionidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 49.2 cm (19.4 in) | 45.4 cm (17.9 in) |
| Weight | 682.5 g (24.07 oz) | 595.0 g (20.99 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-4 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Snowy Sheathbill only
None
Black-faced Sheathbill only
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Snowy Sheathbill
Least Concern
Black-faced Sheathbill
About These Birds
Snowy Sheathbill
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.
Black-faced Sheathbill
Black-faced Sheathbill (Chionis minor) is a stocky 38–41 cm all-white Antarctic bird of the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean islands. Similar to Snowy Sheathbill but with dark facial skin and pink bill sheath. Resident on Prince Edward, Crozet, Kerguelen, and Heard Islands year-round. Scavenges in penguin colonies and seabird nesting sites.