Feeding Behavior

Takes food from surface of water. Forages mostly by hovering with feet touching water and picking at surface with bill, also by dropping into water and then resuming flight, sometimes by picking at items while swimming.

Eggs

One. White, usually with reddish-brown dots at larger end. Incubation is by both sexes, usually 40-50 days, sometimes 38-59. Young: Fed by both parents. Period from hatching to departure from nest (46-97 days) varies considerably, probably depends on rate of feeding. Young is independent of parents after leaving nest and going to sea.

Young

Fed by both parents. Period from hatching to departure from nest (46-97 days) varies considerably, probably depends on rate of feeding. Young is independent of parents after leaving nest and going to sea.

Diet

Small crustaceans, fish. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (especially euphausiid shrimp and amphipods) and small fish, also small squid, marine worms, other small organisms. Scavenges at natural oil slicks and carrion, and will follow ships to pick at offal.

Nesting

Breeds on islands and cliffs of Antarctic region and around southern South America. Nesting is generally November to May. Males may arrive at nesting sites first, and unmated males may sit near nest entrance and call to defend site and attract female. Nest: Site is in crevice or hole in cliff, among rock piles, or in burrow. Nest chamber usually lined with feathers and moss, sometimes bare.