Southern Giant Petrels (SGP’s) are the largest birds in the pelagic petrel family with wingspans of up to 6.7 feet.
They live in the southern hemisphere and are circumpolar, distributed in the sub-antarctic to Antarctica.
They are bigger than Northern Giant Petrels and are rated one of the ten oddest looking birds in the world due to their unusual stacked bi-valve nostrils joined together on the top of their beaks.
This bivalve, in combination with a saline eliminating gland, helps them eliminate salt from the large quantities of saltwater they consume.
Like pelagic Albatrosses, SGP’s spend the first two to three years of their lives entirely at sea. White phase SGP’s, like the one flying here, are rare, constituting less than 5% of the SGP population.
It is incredible to watch them mid-ocean taking off, catching wind drafts and soaring like kites.
They are aggressive predators and scavengers, and incredibly skillful fliers, navigating the storms, waves and winds of the southern ocean with apparent ballet-like ease.
SGP’s were a vulnerable to near-threatened species for a long time, due mostly to fishing practices, but may be making a comeback.
It is also amazing to see them in the open ocean, resting in their pelagic home.
Cheers to you from the amazing birds of the southern hemisphere~
They are huge birds, but Wandering Albatross are even bigger, up to 11.6 feet. I have photos of them too!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here are more beautiful photographs from Cindy Knoke!
I am so lucky to virtually know people like you 🐦
My goodness, I feel like these fascinating birds could actually walk right out of this photographic group on to this page!! Wow.!!
If they actually did that, you would have to find some fish fast to appease them! Laughing….. they are very big, very tough, and very hungry birds! 🐦
mache es dir gemütlich und genieße das Wochenende, Klaus
Ihre Freundlichkeit wird sehr geschätzt! Danke und habe ein wundervolles Wochenende.
You are so good at capturing birds with your lens! It’s a gift you have. As always, I really enjoy your posts.
Ahhhh, your thoughtful comment touched my ❤ Thank you very much & cheers to you~
Thank YOU! 🙏
❤ 🕯️
There’s so much amazing wildlife in the southern reaches of the world…I had no idea these petrels existed until now!
I am very happy I could introduce you and so appreciate your appreciation of them! Have an
awesome weekend~
I’m learning a lot about the Southern Hemisphere from your posts. You’re making me want to go there!
It will make you, and me, very happy if you go!
Then it’s determined, I’ll have to make it down south one of these days. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
❤ ❤
They really are amazing! And beautiful in their own right! 🙂
I love you for seeing their beauty. I see it too ❤
They are unusual looking birds but very interesting. 6.7 feet is some wing-span!
They are very big birdies and very tough birdies because they have to withstand the southern winter~
This bird species is fascinating, Cindy! I am thrilled they are able to drink sea water and why their double beak (nostrils) work is due to one incredible Creator! 🌈 🕊
Yes indeed. We live in the most beautiful world. All the best to you Robin 🕯️
Fantastic photos and introduction to this wonderful bird, Cindy. Pelagic birds are fascinating, how they live their lives on the sea. This large Southern Giant Petrel is a marvel.
Ahhh, love that you appreciate the birdies my friend & cheers to you!
Excellent.
Honored. Thank you!
My pleasure, Cindy.
❤