The Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus), also known as the Antarctic giant petrel, is a formidable seabird native to the Southern Ocean. It is among the largest members of the Procellariidae family, with a wingspan of up to 2.1 meters and a body length of up to 90 cm. This species exhibits two distinct color morphs: dark and light. It is an opportunistic feeder, voraciously scavenging on marine mammals, other seabirds, and fish. It is often seen trailing fishing vessels to feed on discarded bycatch. The petrel breeds in small colonies on subantarctic islands, laying a single egg per season. A remarkable defense mechanism is vomiting a foul-smelling stomach oil when threatened, which deters predators and has earned them the nickname "stinkers" among sailors.
• Petrel gigante del sur, Abanto marino antártico
• Southern giant petrel, Antarctic giant petrel
• Petrélao-gigante-do-sul
Scientific classification:
Superdomain: Neomura
Domain: Eukaryota
(unranked): Opisthokonta
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
(unranked): Bilateria
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Clade: Tetrapoda
Clade: Amniota
Clade: Diapsida
Clade: Archosauria
Class: Aves
Subclass: Neornithes
Infraclass: Neognathae
Clade: Neoaves
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Procellariidae
Genus: Macronectes
Species: M. giganteus
Pelagic waters off the coast of Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay (35.1073°S, 54.9380°W)
Camera: Canon EOS 77D / 9000D
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary
Photo Taken: July 19, 2025
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