Broad-billed Prion
A species of Whalebirds Scientific name : Pachyptila vittata Genus : Whalebirds
Broad-billed Prion, A species of Whalebirds
Botanical name: Pachyptila vittata
Genus: Whalebirds
Content
Description General Info
Description
The broad-billed prion has traditional prion colours: blue-grey upperparts, white underparts, and the ever present "M" across its back and wings. It also has a black crown, a dark eye stripe, and a black-tipped tail. Its bill is also black. The head pattern is more distinct and the tail band is less extensive than that of the similar fairy prion. It has a broad flat bill with comb-like fringes called lamellae. This is a large prion measuring 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) long, with a wingspan of 57 to 66 cm (22 to 26 in) and weighing on average 160 to 235 g (5.6 to 8.3 oz).
Size
30 cm
Feeding Habits
Broad-billed Prion consumes crustaceans, squid, and fish, using hydroplaning and surface-seizing for foraging. Broad-billed Prion is sociable, non-dependent on fishing boats, and adapted for skimming and filtering prey while flying.
Habitat
Broad-billed Prion predominantly inhabits oceanic and coastal regions across the Southern Hemisphere. These birds favor marine and pelagic environments and are seldom seen near land except when breeding. The broader geographical regions include a variety of subantarctic islands. When breeding, broad-billed Prion nests in areas that range from coastal slopes tangled with vines and bracken to lower forest zones, as well as flat lava fields, offshore islets, and cliffs. They are also known to select habitats with dry rocky soil, caves, or scree for nest sites.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Behavior
They are social birds; however their courtship displays happen at night or in their burrows. When they need to defend their nests they are very aggressive with calling, posturing, and neck-biting.
Species Status
This prion has an occurrence range of 10,500,000 km (4,100,000 sq mi) and an estimated population of 15 million. It is categorised as least concern by the IUCN.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Albatrosses and Petrels Family
Shearwaters and petrels Genus
Whalebirds Species
Broad-billed Prion