Antarctic Prion

Totorore is an abundant blue-grey prion that breeds in New Zealand’s Auckland Islands and across the Southern Ocean. It has white underparts, a black M on the back and a black tail tip; its bright-blue bill has straight sides and hidden lamellae. Salvin’s prion has a darker, bowed bill with lamellae visible from the side.

New Zealand colonies occur in the Auckland Islands, with probable breeding around Campbell Island; winter birds can reach Ninety Mile Beach. Flocks hydroplane and make shallow dives for pelagic crustaceans, squid and fish; pairs share care of one egg.

Antarctic prion is At Risk — Relict (NZ Threat Classification). Cats and pigs kill birds on Auckland Island, while squid nets occasionally catch them. Subantarctic voyages offer the best chance; winter storms sometimes drive birds to mainland west-coast beaches.