Also known as Slender-billed Prion, Thin-billed Prion

Latin name: Pachyptila belcheri

Population: The Narrow-Billed Prion has a large global population estimated to be 7,000,000 individuals.

Cites classified: Least Concern (IUCN, 2008)

Where found: The Narrow-Billed Prion breeds in burrows on the Falkland Islands, on some islands off southern Chile, on Iles Crozet and Kerguelen, and possibly on Macquarie Island and South Georgia.

Wingspan: 56 cm

Length: 25-26 cm

Weight: 115-180 g

Mating/Breeding: The Narrow-Billed Prions probably form long-lasting pair-bonds. They lay one egg in November. The egg is incubated for 46-47 days. Both sexes take full share of all parental duties.

Eggs: White.

Hibernation: Dispersing north to Java, West Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Peru and Brazil.

Hunting Habits: The Narrow-Billed Prion feeds mainly at night. The Narrow-Billed Prion use their thin bill to pick prey from the water.

Feed on: Small crustaceans, mostly amphipods, but also krill and small fish.

Threats: The Narrow-Billed Prion are not globally threatened.

Colour/Looks: The Narrow-Billed Prion has a blue-grey body that is typical of all prions, but the black on the end of its tail is just a small central spot instead of a broad terminal band. The Narrow-Billed Prion has a slender bill, a black eye line and a clearly marked white stripe above and behind the eyes.

Interesting Trivia:

  • The Narrow-Billed Prion rarely follow ships.

More info:

  • Hadoram Shirihai, A complete guide to Antarctic wildlife (2002)
  • David McGonigal & Lynn Woodworth, Antarctica and the Arctic. The complete encyclopedia (2001)
  • Tony Soper, Antarctica. A guide to the wildlife (2000)