Slender-billed Prion

The slender-billed prion, also known as the thin-billed prion, is a dainty seabird belonging to the family Procellariidae. Its plumage is a delightful blue-grey on the upper parts, while the underparts are a pristine white. A distinctive dark "M" pattern adorns its back, extending to the wingtips. This bird is graced with a white eyebrow and a dark line that trails from below the eye towards the neck. The tail is a grey wedge with a black tip, and the bill is a soft blue-grey, complementing its pale blue feet.

Identification Tips

When observing the slender-billed prion, look for its blue-grey bill and the characteristic "M" shaped pattern on its back. The white eyebrow and dark line beneath the eye are key features for identification. Its wedge-shaped tail with a black tip is also a distinguishing trait.

Habitat

The slender-billed prion is a pelagic bird, spending much of its life over the southern ocean waters. It is rarely seen on land except during the breeding season.

Distribution

This species is found traversing the vast southern oceans. For breeding, they select remote islands such as the Crozet Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, the Falkland Islands, and Noir Island near southern Chile.

Behaviour

The slender-billed prion is an oceanic bird, spending the majority of its time at sea, except during breeding seasons. It is known for its graceful flight over the open ocean.

Food and Feeding

The diet of the slender-billed prion consists mainly of zooplankton. It employs its specialized bill to filter these small organisms from the water.

Breeding

These birds are annual breeders, laying a single egg each season. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the egg and raising the chick until it is ready to fledge.

Conservation status

With an estimated population of 7 million individuals and a vast range, the slender-billed prion is classified by the IUCN as Least Concern. This status reflects a stable and healthy population.