Black-faced Sheathbill

The black-faced sheathbill, also known as the lesser sheathbill or paddy bird, is a rather unique bird, resembling a pigeon in its dumpy form and short neck. Its plumage is predominantly white, contrasting starkly with its black bill, caruncles, and facial skin. The species typically measures between 38 to 41 centimeters in length, spans a wingspan of 74 to 79 centimeters, and weighs in at 460 to 730 grams. Males are slightly larger than their female counterparts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the black-faced sheathbill, look for its white plumage and the distinctive black markings on its face and bill. The bird's pigeon-like appearance and the presence of caruncles are also key characteristics to note.

Habitat

The black-faced sheathbill is found along the coastlines and intertidal zones of subantarctic islands. It is particularly drawn to areas where seabird and seal colonies thrive, as well as regions close to human settlements.

Distribution

This species is restricted to the subantarctic islands of the southern Indian Ocean, including the South African territory of the Prince Edward Islands, the French territories of the Crozet Islands and Kerguelen Islands, and the Australian territory of Heard Island. Notably, the race C. m. nasicornis is endemic to Heard Island, while C. m. marionesis is found exclusively on the Prince Edward Islands.

Behaviour

The black-faced sheathbill is an opportunistic omnivore, scavenger, and predator. It is known to feed on a wide range of items from vegetation and invertebrates to the eggs and chicks of seabirds, as well as seal milk, blood, placentas, carrion, and even human refuse.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the black-faced sheathbill are loud, high-pitched, and strident, with a staccato quality that is hard to miss.

Breeding

Breeding black-faced sheathbills construct their nests in sheltered locations such as crevices, caves, or beneath boulders, using untidy piles of vegetation and debris. They typically lay a clutch of 2 to 3 creamy-white eggs, which are often blotched or speckled brown. The incubation period is around 30 days, and the young are semi-precocial and nidicolous, fledging approximately 50 days after hatching. These birds reach breeding maturity at 3 to 5 years of age.

Conservation Status

While the black-faced sheathbill faces threats from scavenging toxic wastes and introduced predators like feral cats, its large and scattered range has shown no significant signs of overall population decline. Consequently, it is currently assessed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.