Snowy Sheathbills breeds in coastal regions of the Antarctic Peninsula south to 65º S, and on South Georgia, South Orkney, and South Shetland islands. Occurs as a nonbreeding visitor to the coasts of Patagonia Argentina.

There are only two species in the family Chionidae. The Snowy Sheathbill also named Pale-faced Sheathbill, and the Black-faced Sheathbill. These birds are the only Antarctica species in having not webbed feet.
Unlike all the seabirds living in harsh environment, the sheathbills are land-based birds. They are well adapted for the rigorous climate and landscapes.

This bird is often found in the colonies of penguins, among cormorants and albatrosses, and in seal rookeries.

The Snowy Sheathbill’s flight is strong and direct, with continuous wingbeats and only occasional gliding. They are powerful fliers, able to migrate over hundreds of kilometres of open sea without alighting on the water.

The Snowy Sheathbill eats anything that is finds or steals from other seabirds. It feeds on krill, fish, squid and various marine preys. It also takes eggs and chicks from other birds’ species, carrion, algae, placenta and blood, and faeces of seals.