The Antarctic prion also known as the dove prion, or totorore in Māori, is the largest of the prions, a genus of small petrels of the Southern Ocean.
Region
Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds on subantarctic and Antarctic-associated islands, then disperses widely across the Southern Ocean. At sea, it favors cold waters around the Antarctic Polar Front and shelf-break zones where upwelling concentrates plankton. It is highly pelagic outside the breeding season and seldom approaches land except to nest. Colonies occur on grassy slopes, coastal bluffs, and scree with suitable soil for burrowing.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Antarctic prion—also called the dove prion or totorore in Māori—is the largest member of the prions, small tubenose petrels of the Southern Ocean. Its bill has fine comb-like lamellae that help it filter tiny prey from the surface. It nests in dense nocturnal colonies, often in burrows, and produces an energy-rich stomach oil used both to feed chicks and as a defensive spray.
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
social and pelagic
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with rapid wingbeats interspersed with stiff-winged glides over waves
Social Behavior
Strongly colonial, nesting in burrows or rock crevices and visiting colonies mainly at night to avoid predators. Pairs are typically monogamous with shared incubation and chick-rearing duties. Adults return to the same colony sites across years and exhibit high site fidelity.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly silent at sea, but at colonies it gives soft coos, trills, and chattering calls during nocturnal activity. Vocalizations help mates and neighbors recognize each other in dense, dark colonies.
