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Snowy Sheathbill

Chionis albus

Least ConcernRareVertebratesMarineCavity nestLarge · 676 g
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 1
Photo: Ingvild Riska · CC BY 4.0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 2
Photo: Ingvild Riska · CC BY 4.0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 3
Photo: Tomás Tamagno · CC BY 4.0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 4
Photo: Julia Ariadna · CC0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 5
Photo: Julia Ariadna · CC0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 6
Photo: Hugo Hulsberg · CC0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 7
Photo: lwolfartist · CC BY 2.0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 8
Photo: lwolfartist · CC BY 2.0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 9
Photo: Ingvild Riska · CC BY 4.0
Snowy Sheathbill (Chionis albus), photo 10
Photo: Ingvild Riska · CC BY 4.0

About the Snowy Sheathbill

The snowy sheathbill, also known as the greater sheathbill, pale-faced sheathbill, and paddy, is one of two species of sheathbill. It is usually found on the ground. It is the only land bird native to the Antarctic continent.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

A snowy sheathbill is about 380–410 mm (15–16 in) long, with a wingspan of 760–800 mm (30–31 in). It is pure white except for its pink, warty face; its Latin name translates to "snow white". Sheathbills spend 86% of their day hunting for food and the other 14% resting.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular rangeRare visitor
Argentina Falkland Islands Chile Uruguay South Africa

Recorded as a rare visitor in Brazil, Zimbabwe.

When to see it

Peak activity in November · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Black-faced Sheathbill (Chionis minor) Black-faced SheathbillChionis minorThey are dumpy, short-necked, pigeon-like birds with white plumage, black bills, caruncles and facial skin.

Learn the Snowy Sheathbill 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.

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