Britannica AI Icon

snow petrel

bird
Also known as: Pagodroma nivea

Quick Summary

The snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea) is a small, pure white seabird found in Antarctic waters. It is a member of the order Procellariiformes, which includes other seabirds like petrels, fulmars, and albatrosses. These birds are known for their long-distance migrations, often traveling between hemispheres to take advantage of seasonal food sources and favorable weather conditions.12

Snow petrels, along with other Antarctic seabirds, rely on the rich marine life of the Southern Ocean, feeding on crustaceans, fish, and squid. While most procellariiforms are surface feeders, some, like diving petrels, are capable of short dives. The snow petrel breeds on the shores of the Antarctic continent and is one of the few species that can survive in the harsh conditions near the ice limits.2345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.