Antarctic Prion: Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Whale birds of the Southern Ocean
Prions (pachyptila) Afrikaans: Walvisvoel | Prion is derived from the Greek for ‘saw‘, referring to the serrated margin of the upper mandible created by a series of palatal lamellae. These filter small prey, functioning similarly to baleen in whales, giving the Prions the nickname of whale birds.
All species breed in summer in burrows, rock crevices or caves. These small, blue-grey petrels with a dark ‘M’ across the upper wing, dark tail tip and mostly white underparts are the most abundant seabirds in the Southern Ocean.
A prion bill showing the lamellae. © Colin Miskelly | Museum of New Zealand
Prions of the Southern Oceans: Fascinating Marine Birds and Their Unique Ecological Role
The Southern Ocean, surrounding Antarctica, is home to diverse marine life, including various fascinating avian species. Prions stand out as captivating birds that inhabit this remote and challenging environment. Prions are seabirds belonging to the petrel family and play a significant ecological role in the Southern Oceans. This article explores prions’ characteristics, distribution, behaviour, and conservation status, highlighting their importance within this unique marine ecosystem.
Antarctic Prion: Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Fairy Prion, one of five Prion Species we managed to Photograph on the trip, is very contentious when it comes to identifying the various species, as everybody has an opinion on what it is or isn’t., Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Prions, Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer , Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Taxonomy and Classification: Prions, scientifically known as Pachyptila, are small petrels belonging to the Procellariidae family. They are part of the order Procellariiformes, which includes other seabirds such as albatrosses, shearwaters, and fulmars. The genus Pachyptila consists of six recognized species of prions, namely the Blue, Antarctic, Broad-billed, Fairy, Slender-billed, and Salvin’s prions.
Antarctic Prion: Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph, 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer , Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Fairy Prion, one of five Prion Species we managed to Photograph on the trip, is very contentious when it comes to identifying the various species, as everybody has an opinion on what it is or isn’t. , Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Prions, Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer , Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Distribution and Habitat: Prions are primarily found in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, with their breeding grounds located on numerous sub-Antarctic islands, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Crozet Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands. These birds spend most of their lives at sea, foraging and breeding in the open ocean environment.
Physical Characteristics: Prions are small to medium-sized birds, measuring around 25 to 30 centimetres in length. They have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their slender body shape, long wings, and slightly forked tails. Their plumage is predominantly grey or blue-grey, with subtle variations in colouration and patterns among different species. Prions have a sharp, pointed beak adapted for capturing small prey, such as krill and small fish.
Slender-billed Prion: Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 3 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer , Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Prions, Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Salvin’s Prion: Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph, 5 million pairs breed at Prince Edward Islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Foraging Behavior and Diet: As pelagic seabirds, prions are well adapted to an oceanic lifestyle. They have exceptional flying skills and can effortlessly soaring over the water. Prions primarily feed on tiny marine organisms, particularly crustaceans like krill, small fish, and squid. They employ various foraging techniques to capture their prey, including surface dipping, plunge diving, and aerial pursuit.
Breeding and Reproduction: Prions are known for their colonial nesting habits. Breeding colonies can consist of thousands to tens of thousands of individuals, often sharing the same nesting areas with other seabird species. These colonies are usually located on remote islands, where the birds take advantage of suitable breeding sites, such as rocky ledges or tussock grass. Prions lay a single egg per breeding season, which both parents take turns incubating for approximately six weeks. After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents until they fledge, which takes around two months.
Prions, Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Prions, Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Broad-billed Prion: Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph, 2-3 million pairs breed at Tristan da Cunha and Gough Islands in summer
Ecological Importance: Prions play a vital role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem. As they forage on tiny marine organisms, they contribute to regulating prey populations, thereby influencing the overall balance of the food web. Additionally, their excrement, known as guano, serves as a source of nutrients for the surrounding marine environment, supporting the growth of phytoplankton and other primary producers.
Conservation Status: While prion populations are generally considered stable, some species face threats from introduced predators, habitat degradation, and climate change. For example, invasive species such as rats and mice on certain breeding islands can significantly impact prion colonies by predating on eggs, chicks, or adult birds. Conservation efforts aim to protect their breeding sites, eradicate invasive species, and establish marine protected areas.
Prions, Even in the hand, can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon.
Prions, Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer, Flock to Marion 2022, Mouse Free Marion, Birdlife South Africa, Orms Direct, Canon
Antarctic Prion: Even in the hand, they can be hard to identify with certainty and very difficult to photograph; 20 million pairs breed at sub-antarctic islands in summer
Blue Petrel: Image captured by Mike Buckham on the Flock to Marion 2023
Blue Petrel(Halobaena caerulea) This Pelagic Bird is similar to the Prions, but it has the distinctive white tip of the tail and is not black as with the Prions
The Blue Petrel, known as Halobaena caerulea, is a small seabird inhabiting the Southern Ocean. It is named after its beautiful blue plumage, which sets it apart from other petrel species. The bird has a sleek and streamlined body, allowing it to glide over the ocean’s surface effortlessly.
One of the most remarkable features of the Blue Petrel is its ability to dive deep into the ocean in search of food. It can plunge to depths of over 50 meters, using its wings to propel itself underwater. This behaviour is essential for the bird’s survival, as it primarily feeds on small fish, squid, and krill.
Regarding its behaviour, the Blue Petrel is a social species that form large breeding colonies on remote islands and coastal cliffs. These colonies can consist of thousands of individuals, creating a bustling and noisy environment during the breeding season. The bird is known for its distinctive vocalizations, including various calls and whistles.
Despite its relatively small size, the Blue Petrel is an excellent long-distance traveller. It undertakes extensive migrations, travelling thousands of kilometres between its breeding grounds and feeding areas. These migrations are often undertaken during the Austral winter, allowing the bird to take advantage of seasonal food availability.
While the Blue Petrel is not considered globally endangered, it faces some threats in certain regions. These include disturbances to breeding colonies, predation by invasive species, and the potential impacts of climate change on its habitat and food availability. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the continued survival of this magnificent seabird.
In summary, the Blue Petrel is a captivating seabird with its striking blue plumage, impressive diving abilities, and extensive migrations. It is a remarkable species that adds to the rich diversity of marine life in the Southern Ocean.
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