Southern Giant Petrel
Macronectes giganteus
Local Name: Stinker
Breeding Range: Circumpolar on subantarctic
islands
Length: 88cm
Falklands Population: ~10,000 breeding pairs
World Population: ~36,000 breeding pairs
Giant Petrels breed in colonies on remote
coastal flats at more than 50 sites around the Falklands, with the
largest colony being found on Elephant Cays.
Adults make a simple scrape in which they
lay a large single egg during October and November, and chicks remain
in the nest until they fledge in late March. Breeding adults will
often abandon their nests if people approach too close.
Giant Petrels are often seen around Stanley
and other settlements scavenging for debris throughout the year,
but their main diet comprises of squid and crustaceans at sea, the
eggs and chicks of seabirds, and carrion.
Sexes are similar in appearance.
The Falklands population has declined over
recent years, probably as a result of increased disturbance during
the breeding season.
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Southern Giant Petrel
Macronectes giganteus
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Adopt and name your penguin,
and we will send you reports and photos of your penguin's progress. We
will even send you a map to show you exactly where your penguin lives,
in case you ever want to visit. (Visitors are welcome).
Learn
More
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The Falklands Regime by Mike Bingham
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here. |
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