The Antarctic Petrel | The Distinctly Graceful Bird of Antarctica

With a diverse range of 100 species divided into four families, the role of petrels in marine ecosystems is crucial. While it is not as famous as its cousin - the iconic snow petrel - the Antarctic petrel is a distinctly graceful bird. Besides, researchers have marked it as a key species for monitoring the health of Antarctic ecology.

When whaling ships visited Antarctica in the previous century, they often found flocks of these petrels over the ship. Even today, Antarctic petrels are seen flying over a ship’s superstructure.

Where to find Antarctic petrels

While the extreme weather of the Southern Ocean makes adventurers and sailors wary, it is home ground for the Antarctic petrel. It is found in the coastal belts around the Southern Ocean, the Ross and Weddell Seas, and the Antarctic islands. Since they prefer long-haul flights, these petrels can be seen on the Falklands, and even in Australia or New Zealand. 

One Antarctica fact that you may know is that the continent is a harsh, cold desert. Even so, the Antarctic petrel is one of the few birds that can be seen on rocky slopes and cliff faces in inland Antarctica. For example, the Svarthamaren seabird colony is located 200 km inland in Antarctica. 

The social nature of Antarctic petrels 

The Antarctic petrels are social birds and form large breeding colonies that are densely packed. A single colony can contain as many as 200,000 breeding pairs. At times, the colonies also have other birds like Cape petrels and snow petrels. While visiting Antarctica, you can also see flocks of the Antarctic petrel on icebergs.

Lifespan

Antarctic petrels can live as long as 15 years or even more. Estimates suggest that the total number of Antarctic petrels is between 10 and 20 million. As per the IUCN, they are a species of least concern.

Planning your trip to Antarctica

Even though penguins remain the prime attraction among the animals in Antarctica, there are other amazing seabird species on the white continent. For photographers, capturing albatrosses and petrels in a perfect frame can be a challenge. So, getting accustomed to focus tracking is a must and crossing the Drake Passage offers the perfect opportunity assuming the waves aren’t too rough. 

While on a Small Ship Expedition to Antarctica, speak to the guides to get more insights about the bird species you encounter. At all times, make sure to respect the wildlife and follow the guidelines provided by your guides.

Visit Antarctica with Secret Atlas

A journey to Antarctica with Secret Atlas is an immersive experience combining dramatic landscapes and untamed wilderness. Our expeditions on a small ship allow you to get intimate with the wild side of nature without feeling restricted by itineraries.

To learn more about our Antarctic expeditions, talk to us or go through our brochure.