Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Chionidae
The Snowy Sheathbill is a unique, pigeon-sized white bird found in the southernmost regions, including Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Its most distinctive feature is the warty, sheath-like covering at the base of its bill, which gives the species its name. Unlike most birds in its range, the sheathbill has unwebbed, strong pink legs and feet, allowing it to walk and run easily on rocky shores and snow. Its plumage is entirely white, which provides camouflage in snowy environments. The species is highly adaptable and opportunistic, feeding on a wide variety of food sources, from invertebrates and algae to carrion and waste left by other animals. Snowy Sheathbills are often seen around penguin and seal colonies, where they scavenge for eggs, chicks, and scraps. Their bold and curious behavior makes them a familiar sight to researchers and visitors in the region. Despite their scavenging habits, they play an important ecological role in cleaning up organic debris in harsh environments.
Habitat
Coastal areas, rocky shores, and islands near penguin and seal colonies in southern Patagonia and Antarctica.
Foraging
Feeds by scavenging, probing, and picking up food from the ground, often near animal colonies or human settlements.
