Sheathbills

Order: Charadriiformes

Family: Chionididae

2 species

HABITAT AND RANGE:

coast of N. Antarctic and extreme So. Atlantic and W. Indian Oceans;

DESCRIPTION:

38-40 cm; white plumage; bill with horny sheath at base; face partly bare, with caruncle at base of bill; bill short, stout; neck short; body compact; wings long; tail short, rounded; legs short, stout; feet large, slightly webbed; hallux elevated; terrestrial but can swim;

FOOD:

omnivorous, often feed on carrion and penguin feces;

BREEDING:

sexes similar; nest with 2-4 eggs among or under boulders; monogamous; biparental care.

SOUNDS:

MORE IMAGES:

RECENT LITERATURE:

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(Image taken from Harrison, C. and Alan Greensmith. Birds of the World. DK Publishing: New York, 1993.)