Southern giant petrel

Introduction: Although southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) inhabit the open ocean close to the Namibian shoreline, they are seldom observed ashore. Occasionally they fall prey to sharks. This species is classed as vulnerable, with some fishermen catching them for food in southern African waters.

Distribution: From the central coastal area of Namibia south to the Orange River.

Diet: Surface-plunges and scavenges around feeding Killer whales and Cape fur seals. Eats fish and crustaceans and African penguins killed by Cape fur seals. Regularly follows ships.

Description: Enormous petrel with bill to match. Even though the legs are set far back on the body, they walk with greater ease than other petrels.

Breeding: Extralimital.

Size: 100cm.

Weight: 4.8kg.

Wingspan: Up to 2.1m.