The Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus), also called Southern Giant Petrel, is a breeding bird of the Antarctic mainland as well as many sub-Antarctic islands. Outside the breeding season, in which the bird, which belongs to the petrel family, breeds in colonies in contrast to the Hall's petrel, they spend most of their lives on the high seas and can then be observed as far as the Tropic of Capricorn. Like Hall's petrels, giant petrels are called "stinkers" by seafarers because they vomit an oily and smelly stomach content when frightened. This enables them to rise faster into the air.
The giant petrel reaches a wingspan of up to 200 cm and a body length of 84 to 92 cm. Its plumage is a dusky grey-brown, which is strikingly lighter on the head, neck and throat. Giant petrels are easily recognisable by their huge, horn-plate beak with its elongated nose-double tube (tube noses). The small light eyes are surrounded by a feather wheel, the colour of the feet ranges from brown to smoky black.
Compared to the albatross, their flight appears more clumsy, as they flap less elegantly or glide along in a stiff-winged posture with their head held low. Giant petrels are scavengers, feeding on dead marine animals floating on the sea surface, but also on young penguins. They often follow ships in search of scraps.
For as long as I can remember I have always been drawn to the beauty of the environment and the wild spirit of wildlife. However, my love for nature and wildlife photography began a few years back after a series of travels coupled with my studies in design. .. Read more…