Salvin's prion, also known as the medium-billed prion, is a species of seabird in the petrel family Procellariidae.
Region
Southern Ocean and subantarctic waters
Typical Environment
This species breeds on remote, windswept subantarctic islands, nesting in burrows on tussock-covered slopes and coastal cliffs. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely across cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean. At sea it frequents shelf edges and oceanic fronts where plankton and krill concentrate. Birds often forage in loose flocks and may associate with other prions and small petrels.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Salvin's prion, or medium-billed prion, is a small Southern Ocean petrel that filters tiny crustaceans using fine comb-like lamellae along its bill. It is highly pelagic outside the breeding season and returns to remote subantarctic islands to nest in dense burrow colonies. The species is often confused with other prions due to similar grey-and-white plumage, with bill structure being a key identifier. Like many seabirds, it is vulnerable to introduced predators at breeding sites.
Pachyptila salvini- MHNT
Temperament
pelagic and wary at sea; gregarious at colonies
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short rapid wingbeats and dynamic glides over waves
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially in dense burrow systems, often returning to the same site each year. Pairs are generally monogamous and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Activity at colonies is mostly nocturnal, reducing predation risk.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
At colonies it gives soft, nasal purrs and chattering trills, often delivered in duets at night. Calls from within burrows are muffled coos and wheezes.
Plumage
Smooth grey-blue upperparts with a darker M-shaped pattern across the upper wings and clean white underparts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small crustaceans such as copepods, amphipods, and krill, supplemented by small fish and squid. Uses its specialized bill lamellae to filter prey from surface waters and spray. Often forages in areas of upwelling and along ocean fronts where plankton concentrates.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages over cold subantarctic waters near shelf breaks and convergences. Frequently feeds just above the surface, snatching prey or hydroplaning into slicks, and may gather around productive patches with other seabirds.
