About the Snow Petrel
The snow petrel is the only member of the genus Pagodroma. It is one of only three birds that have been seen at the Geographic South Pole, along with the Antarctic petrel and the south polar skua, and it has the most southerly breeding sites of any bird, inland in Antarctica.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The snow petrel is a small, pure white fulmarine petrel with coal-black eyes, a small black bill and bluish gray feet. Body length is 30–40 cm (12–16 in) and the wingspan is 75–95 cm (30–37 in). Flight is erratic with frequent changes of direction.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
South Georgia Diving PetrelPelecanoides georgicusThe South Georgia diving petrel is a small, plump petrel, 180 to 220 mm (7.1–8.7 in) in length and weighing around 90 to 150 g (3.2–5.3 oz).
Beck's PetrelPseudobulweria beckiIt is dark brown above and on the head and throat.
Antarctic PetrelThalassoica antarcticaThe adult Antarctic petrel has a brown head, sides, throat, and back.
Learn the Snow Petrel for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.