Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Wild Bird Wednesday 660 - Northern Giant-Petrel

The Northern Giant-Petrel (Macronectes halli) is large, thicket set petrel the size of many albatross.  It has a significantly large beak, and a generally threatening kind of look.  If I was a small animal I would not like to meet one on a dark night!

This species occurs through the Southern Ocean, but it does not reach Antartica - hence 'Northern' in its name.  It can be separated from the very similar 'Southern Giant-Petrel (which does reach Antarctica) by the colour of the end of its break.  

The Northern GP has a contrasty reddish tip to the beak - this contrast is not seen in the Southern GP.  As you can imagine, being able to zoom in on pictures taken of the bird in 'real time' helps a great deal with the identification.

As with almost all of my pelagic seabird pictures, these were taken on a trip out from Eaglehawk Neck in Tasmania.

It's an impressive bird.









As ever, to join in with WBW click the link below.  Cheers  SM

8 comments:

  1. The waters around Tasmania have some fascinating birds!

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  2. I had never heard of petrels before we saw a sign in New Zealand advertising a Grey-faced Petrel nesting area. Unfortunately, we didn't see one in person, just a photo...
    You took some great photos of the Northern Giant Petrel, a truly impressive bird!
    All the best, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/03/februar-ruckblick-und-blogparade-blau.html

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  3. Hari OM
    Yup, that beak means business! YAM xx

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  4. I imagine spotting one in the vast, often harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean must be thrilling

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  5. Impressive indeed! The beak detail is fascinating. Thanks for the clear identification tips.

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  6. you are right that the beak looks so big ....
    excellent shots

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  7. Great pictures of this big bird. A bit ominous I must say.

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