The black-faced sheathbill, also called the lesser sheathbill or paddy bird, is one of only two species of sheathbills, aberrant shorebirds which are terrestrial (land) scavengers of subantarctic islands.
Region
Subantarctic Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Primarily found on subantarctic islands such as the Kerguelen, Crozet, Heard and McDonald, and Prince Edward Islands. They frequent rocky coasts, gravel beaches, penguin rookeries, and seal haul-outs, and readily exploit refuse around research stations. Nesting occurs in crevices, boulder piles, cliffs, and tussock banks slightly inland from the shore. Outside breeding territories they roam shorelines and intertidal zones for stranded invertebrates and carrion.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-faced sheathbill, also called the lesser sheathbill or paddy bird, is one of only two sheathbill species—odd, pigeon-like shorebirds that are largely terrestrial scavengers on subantarctic islands. They often patrol penguin and seal colonies, boldly stealing food and cleaning up carrion and waste. Unlike most shorebirds, they have unwebbed toes and a thick, sheathed bill. Their white plumage frequently becomes stained by guano and mud, aiding camouflage around colonies.
The darker-legged Crozet Islands subspecies.
Egg of Chionis minor
Temperament
bold, opportunistic, and often inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights over shorelines
Social Behavior
Monogamous pairs defend small territories around nest sites, often near penguin or seal colonies. Nests are placed in crevices or under boulders and lined with vegetation, bones, or debris. Both parents incubate and aggressively defend the nest, while also scavenging communally at rich food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are harsh croaks, grunts, and chatters, often delivered in duets by pairs. Bill-clattering and guttural notes feature in displays and territorial encounters.
Plumage
Dense, white plumage that often appears dirty or stained around colonies; compact, pigeon-like body with short rounded wings and short tail.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore and scavenger, taking carrion, penguin and seabird eggs and chicks, krill, fish scraps, mollusks, amphipods, insects, and marine invertebrates from the wrack line. It also steals regurgitated food from seabirds and samples feces, and readily exploits human refuse near stations. Foraging includes probing kelp piles, turning stones, and picking parasites or scraps around seal haul-outs.
Preferred Environment
Most feeding occurs along rocky and gravelly shores, intertidal zones, penguin rookeries, and seal colonies. They also forage around research bases and huts, taking advantage of anthropogenic food sources.
