Snowy Sheathbill

About the Snowy Sheathbill

The Snowy Sheathbill is the only land bird native to Antarctica. These birds live and scavenge for food near penguin and seal colonies. Snowy Sheathbills are omnivorous; their diet includes penguin eggs, chicks, algae, carrion and seal placentas.

The Snowy Sheathbill has pure white plumage. Their scientific name (Chionis alba) translates from Latin as ‘snow white’. The Snowy Sheathbill measures about 34 to 41 cm (13 to 16 inches) in length and weighs between 460 and 780 grams (1 to 1.7 pounds). These small birds are highly adapted to the harsh environment they live in.

Commonality of Snowy Sheathbills

The Snowy Sheathbill population is about 10,000 breeding pairs. Although this number is relatively low compared to other birds, the Snowy Sheathbill population is stable and is listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. Snowy Sheathbills can still be considered rare due to their restricted range.

Protection & Threats

Climate change and habitat disruption are the main threats to the Snowy Sheathbill population. To minimise environmental impact and protect the Antarctic ecosystem, the Antarctic Treaty regulates human activities in Antarctica.