Antarctic Prion vs White-headed Petrel

Pachyptila desolata compared with Pterodroma lessonii

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Antarctic Prion White-headed Petrel
Scientific Name Pachyptila desolata Pterodroma lessonii
Order Procellariiformes Procellariiformes
Family Procellariidae Procellariidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 36.5 cm (14.4 in) 60.7 cm (23.9 in)
Weight 149.0 g (5.26 oz) 695.0 g (24.52 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1 1
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Antarctic Prion only

None

White-headed Petrel only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Antarctic Prion

Least Concern

White-headed Petrel

About These Birds

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.

White-headed Petrel

43 cm, wingspan 109 cm. Large petrel with white head, grey back, and white underparts; dark upperwing. Breeds Kerguelen, Macquarie, Auckland, and Antipodes islands. Ranges in subantarctic to temperate Southern Ocean. Feeds on squid and fish; nocturnal at colonies.

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