Giant Petrels

 

For those interested in southern ocean seabirds, here are two Giant Petrels. A dark phase Southern Giant and a pale phase Northern Giant Petrel. The former has a green tip to the bill and the latter a pink tip. Note that the Southern Giant can vary from pure white with a few black spots to dark chocolate brown while variation in the northen is similar but without the pure white form. Both are common in southern and Antarctic waters. They are scavengers and often seen on dead fish or on the beaches of the Antarctic peninsula. They have a wingspan on 190-195 cms.