Birds
Southern Giant Petrel
Macronectes giganteus · also called Antarctic giant petrel
Distinguished from its close relative only by a greenish bill tip, a southern giant petrel breeds further south into Antarctic-adjacent waters, scavenging seal and penguin carcasses with the same massive hooked bill shared across the giant petrel family.
Overview
The southern giant petrel, Macronectes giganteus, is a large scavenging seabird native to ocean, coastal, and polar habitat across Antarctica and numerous sub-Antarctic islands. Its more southerly breeding range compared with the northern giant petrel, massive carcass-tearing bill, and rare white colour form make it one of the more ecologically important and visually variable seabirds found anywhere in the Southern Ocean.
A southern twin with a subtle difference
Nearly identical to the northern giant petrel in size, diet, and lifestyle, the southern giant petrel is set apart mainly by a greenish bill tip and a breeding range that pushes further south into some of the coldest waters surrounding Antarctica itself.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable Antarctic and sub-Antarctic habitat.
Southern Giant Petrel: common questions
How can you tell a southern giant petrel from a northern giant petrel?
This species has a greenish tip to its bill, a feature used to distinguish it from its very similar close relative, the northern giant petrel, which instead has a reddish bill tip.
Where does the southern giant petrel breed compared with its close relative?
This species breeds further south than the northern giant petrel, extending its range into more southerly Antarctic-adjacent waters at colder latitudes.
Does the southern giant petrel come in different colours?
Yes, some individuals of this species occur in a rare, almost entirely white colour form, quite different from the more typical mottled grey-brown plumage seen in most individuals.
Does the southern giant petrel have any defences against predators?
Yes, this species can spray a foul-smelling stomach oil at potential predators or intruders approaching its nest, a defence shared with several other petrel and albatross relatives.