Nature Notes from Harold Stiver

Antarctic Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus

The Antarctic Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus , sometimes known as the Southern Giant-Petrel is a huge member of the petrel family. It is a resident of the southern and antarctic oceans and found as far south as the pack ice.

They often feed on dead carcasses and will take chicks from penguin colonies.

It is very similar to the Hall’s or Northern Giant-Petrel. It is best separated from it by the green rather than pink tip of the bill. Both species come in several color morphs.

The birds in these images are likely juveniles and were taken in Tierra del Fuego.

Antarctic Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus	Antarctic Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus
Antarctic Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus	Antarctic Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus

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